Mon — Fri 9am to 6pm · Sat 9am to 5pm 0121 472 0155 Walk-ins welcome
Selly Pharmacy
Bristol Road · B29

The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service lets community pharmacists supply, restart, and continue oral contraceptive pills for many patients without needing to see a GP first. We are proud to offer this service in Selly Oak.

We see a lot of University of Birmingham students at Selly Pharmacy. You can use the NHS Contraception Service whether you are registered locally or with a GP back home — as long as your GP is in England.

Who is eligible?

Most adult women and people with a uterus aged 16 and over are eligible for the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. We will take a brief health history at the consultation to confirm a particular pill is suitable for you.

  • Already taking a contraceptive pill and want to continue it.
  • Want to restart a pill you have used before.
  • Want to start a contraceptive pill for the first time (initiation).
  • Want to switch from one type of pill to another.

What we can prescribe

Both combined pills (containing oestrogen and progestogen) and progestogen-only pills (the 'mini-pill') are available through this service. Specific brands depend on what is suitable for you and what is in stock — we will discuss this in the consultation.

What to expect

You will have a private consultation in our consultation room with a pharmacist.

  • We take a brief medical and lifestyle history (about 10 minutes).
  • We measure your blood pressure (a requirement before issuing the combined pill).
  • We discuss any options and answer your questions.
  • Where appropriate, we issue a supply of the pill on the spot.

Your privacy

Everything you tell us is confidential. The consultation room has a closing door and is not overlooked. We will not discuss your appointment with anyone — including your GP — unless you ask us to or unless there is a clinical reason that requires it (we will always tell you if so).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book?

We recommend calling ahead so we can ensure a pharmacist is available for your consultation, but walk-ins are welcome and we will fit you in as soon as possible.

Is there a charge?

No. The consultation and the pill itself are free under the NHS.

Can I get the morning-after pill here?

Yes — see our Emergency Contraception page.

What if I need long-acting contraception (coil, implant, injection)?

We do not currently offer LARCs at the pharmacy — for these, please contact your GP or a local sexual health clinic.

To book or ask a question, call 0121 472 0155. Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours, but a quick call ahead helps us be ready for you.

Frequently asked

Common questions

Quick answers to the things people most often ask. Anything else, just call us on 0121 472 0155 or pop in.

Can I start the pill at the pharmacy without seeing a GP?
Yes. Under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, our pharmacist can carry out a full consultation and supply the combined or progestogen-only pill if appropriate, without you needing a GP appointment.
Can I get my repeat contraception at the pharmacy?
Yes. Even if your contraception was originally prescribed by a GP, our pharmacist can usually take over your routine reviews and ongoing supply.
Does the service include the coil or implant?
No. The Pharmacy Contraception Service is for oral contraception (pills) only. For coils, implants, injections or patches, you will need to see a GP, sexual health clinic, or specialist nurse.
Is the consultation private and confidential?
Yes, fully. We use a private consultation room. We will only share information with your GP if you specifically agree.
How long does the consultation take?
Around 20 minutes for an initial consultation. Repeat consultations are usually shorter.
Is it free?
The consultation is free. Standard NHS prescription charges apply for the medication if you usually pay.
Can University of Birmingham students use this service?
Yes. Any patient registered with an English NHS GP can use the service. We see a lot of students from the university.
Visit us

On Bristol Road, in the heart of Selly Oak.

Right on Bristol Road, directly opposite Tesco Express and the Esso petrol station — two minutes from Selly Oak station, opposite the University of Birmingham campus, with on-street parking nearby. Walk in, or call ahead — we're easy to find and easier to talk to.

Address
Unit 2, 480 Bristol Road,
Selly Oak, Birmingham,
West Midlands, B29 6BD
Opening hours

Open six days a week

Monday
9:00 — 18:00
Tuesday
9:00 — 18:00
Wednesday
9:00 — 18:00
Thursday
9:00 — 18:00
Friday
9:00 — 18:00
Saturday
9:00 — 17:00
Sunday
Closed
Closed Sundays and bank holidays. For urgent out-of-hours care, please call NHS 111 or visit nhs.uk for your nearest open pharmacy.