BANES Council
https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/
Pharmacy Contract
Sexual health services and stop smoking services are commissioned by Banes Council. Current contract runs from April 2025 to 2029.
The contract is available here, but please note the changes below.
Changes to the service contract originally issued in April 2025
Since the contract’s release, the structure of commissioned services has been updated. From October 2025, the Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) element of the contract formally transitioned into the Pharmacy First service. As a result, all references to EHC within the April 2025 contract should now be disregarded, as this activity is no longer delivered under the original contract.
All other elements of the contract remain active and unchanged. This includes:
- C‑Card scheme
- Pregnancy testing services
- Smoking cessation support
These services should continue to be delivered in line with the existing specifications and reporting requirements.
If you need further clarification or would like support please contact [email protected]
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Since April 2025, Turning Point now commission the substance misuse services including Supervised Consumption, Naloxone and Needle Exchange.
Key Contact
Paul Sheehan, 01225 394065, [email protected]
The council commissions C card supply and pregnancy testing services. From October 2025 EHC is part of the national Contraception Service.
C Card Information
Community Pharmacy C card guidelines
Community Pharmacy C card quick reference guide
Community Pharmacy C card poster
If you require C card and pregnancy testing training or require an update, contact us at [email protected]
Safeguarding Information
SAFEBANES
www.safebanes.com is for young people who live in Bath and North East Somerset and provides advice on relationships, sexual health and sexual wellbeing.
On the website you can find information and advice on free condoms (C Card); contraception; emergency contraception; sexually transmitted infections (STIs); pregnancy; sexual and gender identity; and relationships
Professionals also have a dedicated space on the website where you can download guidance, advice, leaflets and posters to support the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services in community pharmacy. To request access email [email protected]
Key Contacts
Cathy McMahon, [email protected]
Sarah Button, [email protected]
Service Specification
The council commissions a pharmacy advisor service, swap to stop and NRT voucher service.
See sub sections of main contract at top of page
Description of Services
· The provision of behavioural support to people who want to stop smoking or reduce harm from smoking through one-to-one support and advice, access to stop smoking aids and onward referral to specialist services where appropriate.
· The supply of NRT, via the B&NES NRT Voucher scheme, to clients who are receiving support from a specialist stop smoking practitioner either from B&NES Wellness Service, or other community-based stop smoking services.
· The provision of very brief advice, a free vape kit voucher and follow up to smokers wanting to try vaping to support their quit attempt, as part of the B&NES Swap to Stop programme.
If your pharmacy is interested in signing up for this service, please email [email protected] for more information.
You can qualify as a stop smoking practitioner by completing the free NCSCT online training http://www.ncsct.co.uk.
Key Contact – [email protected]
Since April 2025 Supervised Consumption has been commissioned by Turning Point.
BANES Supervised Consumption Specification
Key Contact – [email protected]
Since April 2025 Needle Exchange has been commissioned by Turning Point. A take home Naloxone service was introduced in January 2026.
Sexual Health Services
BaNES-Levonorgestrel-CP-PGD – July 2023
Expired PGDs and Services
Virgin Care LTD Pharmacy (Bath and NE Somerset) NHS Sub-contract 2021
New Supplier Form – Virgin Care Services Limited – to provide bank details etc. Please email to procurement
FINAL B&NES Levonorgesterol PGD June 2021
Levonorgesterol PGD template extension Aug23
EXTENSION TO PERIOD OF PGD AUTHORISATION FOR AZITHROMYCIN PGD to 30th October 2020
For Chlamydia Test and Treat
Chlamydia kits can be ordered from the Avon Chlamydia Screening Office at 0117 342 9299 or by emailing [email protected] . Please allow 10 working days for orders to be processed.
Support to Stop Smoking Services
If your pharmacy is interested in signing up for this service please email [email protected] for more information.
Varenicline Supply – Update August 2023
Following the initial disruption to supply of varenicline (Champix) in June 2021 because of the presence of nitrosamines above the acceptable level of daily intake, Pfizer announced a wholesale and pharmacy recall of Champix in October 2021
A nitrosamine-compliant, unlicensed varenicline supply is now available in the UK and the documents below give details of this medication and how it can be obtained.
Thistle Pharma who supplies the product have produced some useful information sheets for prescribers, services and patients. Information about how pharmacies can order the product, reimbursement and PILS can all be found in the Information for Services and Information for Practitioners Information sheets.
Please click here for information
You can now qualify as a stop smoking practitioner by completing the NCSCT online training http://www.ncsct.co.uk.You will also need to contact Julie Harrington (details below)to let her know you have a team member starting the course so that she can arrange to come to your pharmacy to give some support to your team member when they start the course.If you have any questions please contact Julie HarringtonE mail [email protected]Phone 01225 83185207976917953