By Neil Trainis

Local pharmaceutical committees in some major cities have taken a philosophical approach to the roll-out of the contraception service, with one saying it has left it up to contractors whether to provide it, another still deciding on its stance and others remaining tight-lipped.

Community Pharmacy Liverpool told Independent Community Pharmacist that “no LPC can tell contractors what to do” following reports Pharmacy London, which represents nearly 1,500 pharmacies, has urged its contractors not to sign up to the service.

“We are not cartels therefore must leave it for them to decide,” said Community Pharmacy Liverpool chief officer Matt Harvey.

“Normally we would be very proactive in highlighting new services and getting pharmacies signed up. We are currently holding back on our normal business as usual. However, if a pharmacy came to us for support, we would of course (provide it).”

North-East London LPC chief officer Shilpa Shah said her Committee will hold a meeting “in a couple of weeks” to discuss “what comms we want to share with contractors” but did not say if it had contacted its 317 pharmacies to advise them whether or not to roll out the service.

Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire said it had no comment “at this time” while Greater Manchester LPC, Birmingham and Solihull LPC and North of Tyne LPC did not respond when contacted for comment.