Record Numbers Stub it Out

Thousands of people across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Berkshire have stopped smoking with the support of local NHS Stop Smoking Services.  Evidence shows that smokers are four ... Read more

Thousands of people across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Berkshire have stopped smoking with the support of local NHS Stop Smoking Services.  Evidence shows that smokers are four times more likely to quit smoking with the support of the NHS Stop Smoking Services.

Figures just released show that across the region a total of 25,506 smokers quit the habit between April 2011 and March 2012 against a target of 24,643 which equates to 103.5% of target.

This is the third successive year that NHS South of England has actually beaten its target in this region.

There is a network of convenient, local advisers who run free advice sessions and can offer practical support and guidance on the best methods to quit smoking. Stop smoking sessions are held in a variety of locations including local pharmacies, GP surgeries, the workplace and village halls.

A variety of individually tailored support is available, including a telephone helpline and local group activity-   both in the community and the workplace.  The approach services take to help people stop smoking is based on the latest evidence and the circumstances of individual smokers. Over 50% of those setting a quit date successfully quit.

Dr Robert Sherriff, Head of Health Improvement for NHS South of England said: “The local stop smoking services continue to help thousands of people with friendly, supportive staff and most importantly expert advice. It is another fantastic year for these services and for ex-smokers who have achieved their goal and who can look forward to a much healthier future.”

Professor Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health said: “If you are a smoker, why not go for gold this summer and sign up to a local service, you have everything to gain and the services are free, professionally run and successful.” 

To find your nearest service and to get advice visit: https://www.smokefree.nhs.uk/

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Published: 3 August 2012