NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Lothian have partnered together to support those who wish to quit smoking, by re-launching their campaign; ‘Don’t Wait’.
Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in Scotland, and this joint campaign between Scotland’s three largest health boards focuses on the harms smoking can cause and the free NHS stop smoking services available to support residents ready to stub out the addiction.
The campaign features NHS respiratory consultant, Dr Colin Church, emphasising that it’s never too late to see the benefits that come from quitting smoking.
Dr Colin Church, NHS respiratory consultant and face of the campaign, said: “Stopping smoking is one of the most important things that you can do to keep yourself healthy and reduce the chances of getting diseases such as coronary artery disease, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“The health benefits from stopping smoking start almost as soon as you stop. I would urge anyone who smokes and is thinking about stopping to contact the NHS Stop Smoking Services – Quit Your Way to find out about the support available in their local area.”
Geraldine Lucas, tobacco control lead, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “We know that smoking tobacco damages the lungs and airways causing a range of severe respiratory problems and right now, more than ever, we want to encourage all people who smoke to give quitting a go.”
“Partnering with colleagues across the central belt will help raise the profile of our Quit Your Way stop smoking services which offers information, advice and support, including nicotine replacement therapy to those ready to stop smoking.”
Shirley Mitchell, senior health improvement manager – Quit Your Way, NHS Lanarkshire, commented: “It’s inspiring to see that people are looking to quit smoking, as we know nicotine is a powerful and addictive drug.
“Through partnership working, we will be in a much stronger position to raise awareness of this free NHS stop smoking service, especially at a time where many people who smoke may be making new year resolutions to quit.
“The service is available for anyone who smokes, as well as their family members and anyone who has queries in regards to stopping smoking.
“Giving up smoking is not something people have to do on their own and by getting the right support, it can increase their chances of quitting.”
Robbie Preece, tobacco control programme manager, NHS Lothian, added: “Working across the three largest boards in Scotland allows us to share resources and we’re aiming to have a larger impact with this campaign.
“We are offering telephone and video support, and relaying the key message that quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health.”
Smoking is linked to many illnesses and long-term conditions, substantially increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, stroke and cancer.
Quit Your Way is a free NHS stop smoking service. To find out more about the stop smoking services and to access support to quit, call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm.
You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support.
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