Investigation into access to emergency hormonal contraception through Hackney pharmacy services

Report - 13 November 2025

Increased pressure on GP services and difficulties accessing appointments mean that pharmacies are increasingly promoted as an access point for minor ailments and other services. These services include vaccinations and a range of common health concerns, including access to sexual health services.

Hackney residents age 16 + can access a wide range of free sexual health services locally Homerton sexual health services. Healthwatch Hackney explored how accessible and young people friendly local pharmacy services. We did this the help of some young volunteers and support from Public Health Hackney.

All the pharmacies we visited had signed up to provide free EHC according to Public Health Hackney. Worryingly only 7 out of the 16 pharmacies that we visited said could provide free Emergency Hormonal Contraception to our mystery shoppers.

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Access to emergency hormonal contraception
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