More Women Accessing Contraception Through Pharmacies As Community Healthcare Expands

Thousands more women across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are accessing contraception services through their local pharmacy, with new figures showing a significant rise in uptake and highlighting the growing role pharmacies are playing in delivering accessible healthcare.

The latest data shows use of the pharmacy contraception service has more than doubled in the last year, increasing by 155 per cent from 15,520 consultations in 2024/25 to 39,629 in 2025/26.

Early figures for April 2026 show this positive trend continuing, with consultations rising from 1,978 in April 2025 to 5,174 in April 2026 - a 162 per cent increase.

The expansion of pharmacy contraception services is helping more women access confidential advice, support, and contraception options quickly and conveniently.

The growth forms part of a wider transformation in community healthcare, supporting the ambitions of the national 10 Year Health Plan to bring more care closer to people and make services easier to access within local communities.

Neil Hardy, Chief Pharmacist for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said:

“It is hugely encouraging to see so many more people choosing their local pharmacy as a place to access expert healthcare support.

“The growth in pharmacy contraception services is particularly positive. More women are now able to access contraception advice, support and treatment in a way that works around their lives, in a setting that is trusted, accessible and confidential.

“This is about giving women greater choice, improving access, and ensuring reproductive health support is available when and where it is needed.”

The growth in pharmacy services is being seen across a range of clinical areas, with more people using pharmacies for essential healthcare support.

Over the past year:

• Pharmacy First consultations, which support patients with seven common conditions, increased by 26 per cent, from 157,640 in 2024/25 to 198,872 in 2025/26.

• High blood pressure checks, helping identify people who may need further support and earlier intervention, increased by 24 per cent, from 73,041 to 90,732.

The latest figures show this momentum is continuing. In April 2026:

• Pharmacy First consultations increased by 28 per cent, rising from 15,232 in April 2025 to 19,498.

• High blood pressure checks increased by 42 per cent, rising from 7,937 in April 2025 to 11,273.

Mr Hardy added:

“These figures show a real change in how care is being delivered, with pharmacies becoming an increasingly important part of the NHS, providing faster, more convenient access to clinical services within communities.

“As we deliver the ambitions of the national 10 Year Health Plan, services like this show how we can move towards a more proactive and preventative model of healthcare — one that puts patients at the centre and brings care closer to home.”