Get confidential, expert NHS contraception in Finchley. Skip the GP referral and the wait, talk to our friendly, qualified pharmacists about the right option for you.
Reg No: 1040323
Reg No: 1092610
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No GP referral required
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service provides the contraceptive pill directly from our pharmacist, requiring no GP referral or local registration.
This oral contraception service is available from your first period up to age 49 for the combined pill, and age 54 for the progestogen-only pill.
Patients under 16 are eligible following a sensitive pharmacist assessment of their informed decision-making, per national safeguarding rules.
Consultations are free and confidential for eligible patients, with information shared only if there is a serious safety concern.
There is no single method that suits everyone. The right option depends on your health, lifestyle, and plans. Below is an overview of the main methods available through our service.
There are two main types. The combined pill contains oestrogen and progestogen; the progestogen-only pill (the mini pill) contains progestogen alone. Both are highly effective when taken correctly. A short consultation helps identify which is right for you.
The implant is a small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm, releasing progestogen for up to three years. The injection lasts around 8 to 13 weeks depending on the type. Both are fitted or given by a clinician, so we would refer you for these.
The copper coil is hormone-free and prevents fertilisation. The hormonal coil releases progestogen locally and lasts three to eight years depending on the type. Both are long-acting and reversible, and both need fitting by a clinician, so we would refer you.
Emergency contraception reduces the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Time matters. The sooner you act, the more effective it is.
Two options are available. The emergency pill comes in two forms: levonorgestrel (up to 72 hours) and ellaOne (up to 120 hours). The copper IUD can be fitted within five days and is the most effective option available.
Our pharmacist will advise you on which is most suitable. No appointment needed. Both Finchley branches are accessible to patients across North Finchley, Barnet, Muswell Hill, and surrounding areas. All consultations are completely confidential.
Available in two forms: levonorgestrel (effective up to 72 hours) and ellaOne (effective up to 120 hours after unprotected sex).
Can be fitted within five days and is the most effective emergency option available. We will refer you quickly for fitting.
Call or visit either Finchley branch Monday to Saturday. No GP referral or appointment required.
Speak privately with our pharmacist about your health and needs in a non-judgmental, relaxed setting.
We’ll provide your contraception directly or guide you to the next step if clinically needed.
110-112 Ballards Lane, Finchley Central , London, Greater London, N3 2DN
020 8346 0051
You can book directly with us. There is no need to go through your GP first or wait for a referral. This saves time and removes an unnecessary step for patients who need support quickly.
Every consultation is private. Nothing is shared with your GP, family, or anyone else without your permission. You can speak openly and get the advice you need without worry.
All consultations are led by a qualified NHS pharmacist. Superintendent Pharmacist Kamal Patel has over 15 years of community pharmacy experience. You are in safe, professional hands at both branches.
We have branches in Finchley Central on Ballards Lane and East Finchley on the High Road. Both are open Monday to Saturday. Walk in or book on the day at whichever branch suits you best.
Cootes Pharmacy has been part of this community since 1984. We know our patients and we take that responsibility seriously. This is not a walk-in clinic chain. It is a local pharmacy that genuinely knows North London.
Yes. Through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, a qualified pharmacist can supply the oral contraceptive pill following a consultation. You do not need to see your GP first or have an existing prescription.
No. All contraception consultations at Cootes Pharmacy are confidential. Information is not shared with your GP or family members without your permission, except in rare circumstances where there is a serious concern for your safety.
Yes. If you are currently using a method that is not working for you, or you want to explore other options, our pharmacist can discuss alternatives during your consultation and help you make a change where the service allows.
Some methods, such as the coil or implant, require fitting by a clinician and cannot be supplied directly from the pharmacy. In these cases, your pharmacist will give you clear advice and refer you to the appropriate NHS service quickly.
Yes. NHS contraception services are available at both Cootes Pharmacy Finchley Central (110-112 Ballards Lane, N3 2DN) and Cootes Pharmacy East Finchley (166-168 High Road, N2 9AS). Both branches are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.
To begin, call, visit, or book online at either branch. Our confidential, free service is led by expert NHS pharmacists dedicated to the Finchley community.
