The pharmacy smoking cessation service is now on offer at every community pharmacy in Scotland enabling pharmacists to provide nicotine replacement therapy to anyone over the age of 12, including pregnant women, on NHS prescription.
The service started in the autumn and is now in full swing throughout the Highlands, so anyone making a New Year’s resolution to stop smoking will have professional help available close to home.
This will mean that smokers wishing to quit can pop into their local pharmacy at any time that is convenient for them, including Saturdays, which will be ideal for people who are working during the week.
It is estimated in An Atlas of Tobacco Smoking in Scotland - a report presenting estimated smoking prevalence in Scotland - that there are 61,000 people who smoke in the area covered by NHS Highland. This represents 25% of the population.
The percentage of people who smoke is highest in the 25–34 age group and drops progressively in older age groups.
And, between 2000 and 2004, 20% of deaths at all ages were attributed to smoking.
NHS Highland’s Head of Community Pharmaceutical Services, Mary Morton, said anyone wishing to stop smoking should speak to their local pharmacist.
She said: “They will ask questions about your smoking habit to work out the best approach to help you quit.
“Most people will be given nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum, and everyone will get information, support and tips on how to give up the habit.
“You will then be asked to come back regularly - every week or fortnight – to check up on your progress and for further supplies of nicotine replacement therapy.”
This is supplied on a weekly basis for 12 weeks, with patients who pay for prescriptions paying just one charge of £5 every four weeks. Otherwise, the service is paid for by the NHS.
Smokers wishing to quit can also get help by calling the Smoking Cessation Helpline on 0845 757 3077.
