Emergency Hormonal Contraception

Key documents for service delivery

Emergency Hormonal Contraception Service Specification 2024/25

Levonorgesterol PGD

Ulipristal Acetate PGD

 

Why is it important to provide EHC?

Teenage conceptions in Dorset continue to fall and remain below the England and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) rate​. However, in BCP teenage conception rates have been stable since 2018 and potentially show a slight rise in 2021 (similar to England)​.

Although the numbers of conceptions have decreased over time, the percentage ending in abortion in under 18s has increased both locally and nationally. Repeat abortions in women under 25 have also shown a slight increase recently (national trend)​.

What training is needed?

The information below is a summary of the main training requirements to deliver this service. For more detailed information please see the EHC service specification.
 

Initial training

Complete the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) e-learning course and the CPPE  Safeguarding Children and Emergency Contraception or equivalent online assessment (at least every 3 years).
 

Competency assessment

Complete the CPPE e-learning course and the CPPE Safeguarding Children and Emergency Contraception or equivalent online and any additional local training to address changes to national guidance (opportunities will be advertised on this page). Staff delivering using prescriptions must comply with the appropriate requirements of their regulatory body, for example General Medical Council and be able to demonstrate competency in line with the NICE Good Practice Guidance: Patient group directions: competency framework for health professionals using patient group directions.

 

How do providers submit claims?

  • providers using PharmOutcomes should use the relevant EHC templates within these systems as outlined in the service specification
  • providers using PharmOutcomes can watch this short video which provides instructions on how to complete templates for EHC
     

Further information and guidance

Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Clinical Guidance: Emergency Contraception (March 2017, amended May 2023).