A Liverpool service that is making it easier for residents to access contraception in their local community has won a national pharmacy award.
The Liverpool Community Pharmacy Implant Service, delivered through a partnership between Liverpool City Council, Axess Sexual Health and Green Lane Pharmacy, was named Health Initiative of the Year at the C+D Awards 2026, recognising its success in improving access to long-acting reversible contraception for local people.
Since launching, the service has completed 177 procedures, giving residents a convenient and accessible way to access contraceptive implants closer to home.
The impact on residents has been overwhelmingly positive. One hundred per cent of service users rated the setting and delivery as good or very good, while nearly a third (32 per cent) said they had never previously accessed a contraceptive implant service elsewhere. This demonstrates how community pharmacy can help remove barriers to care and reach people who may not otherwise access contraception services.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“This award is fantastic recognition of a service that is making a real difference for Liverpool residents.
Access to contraception should be simple, convenient and available in places where people feel comfortable. By offering contraceptive implants through a community pharmacy setting, we have created another trusted and accessible option for people across the city.
We are incredibly proud of everyone involved in developing this innovative service. Winning this national award is a testament to the strength of the partnership behind it and the positive impact it is having on residents’ lives.”
Sian Davies, Regional Service Manager at Axess Sexual Health, said:
“We are thrilled that this innovative partnership has been recognised nationally.
“The service was designed to give people more choice about where and how they access contraception. The response from residents has been extremely positive and demonstrates the important role community pharmacy can play in improving access to sexual health services.
“Most importantly, this recognition reflects the positive impact the service is having for the people of Liverpool.”
Matt Harvey, representing the community pharmacy partnership behind the service, said:
“Winning this award is a tremendous achievement and a fantastic recognition of what can be achieved when community pharmacies work in partnership to improve access to care. Community pharmacies are often the most accessible healthcare settings for local people, and this project has shown how pharmacy teams can deliver innovative services that improve patient experience and outcomes.
We’re proud that residents have embraced this new model of care and delighted that the work of Green Lane Pharmacy and all our partners has been recognised with a national award. Most importantly, this recognition reflects the positive difference the service is making for people across Liverpool.”
Thinking about contraception?
Liverpool residents can find out more about contraceptive implants and the full range of contraceptive options available through Axess Sexual Health. Residents can explore the choices available, access expert advice and book an appointment through a service that works for them.
The Liverpool Community Pharmacy Implant Service was launched as an initiative to expand access to long-acting reversible contraception through community pharmacy, giving residents greater choice and convenience while helping to reduce health inequalities across the city. The pilot was developed by Liverpool City Council, Axess Sexual Health and Green Lane Pharmacy, and was the first NHS-commissioned community pharmacy contraceptive implant service of its kind in the UK.
