Working for a tobacco-free Scotland
31 May 2011
Commenting on the new smoking cessation statistics published today [31 May] which show that the total number of quit attempts made with the help of NHS Scotland smoking cessation services during the 2010 calendar year was 79,672 -- an annual increase of 7.6% on 74,038 attempts during the previous calendar year -- ASH Scotland Chief Executive, Sheila Duffy said:
“These figures are welcome, showing that investment in NHS stop smoking services in Scotland is a real and continuing success story. Scotland’s services are both effective and cost-effective in helping an increasing number of Scots to reject tobacco.
“The number of quit attempts made last year increased by 7.6% when compared to 2009, which itself showed an increase on previous years. Many of these attempts were made through community pharmacy services that are readily accessible to people throughout Scotland. People can also get in touch with their local free stop smoking services directly, by the phone or internet, or through their GP.
“While giving up smoking can be difficult for some, it is encouraging to see that at least 39% of those who attended stop smoking services in 2010 remained quit a month later.
“These figures are great news for the nation’s health, and should encourage anybody who is thinking about stopping smoking to contact their local free stop smoking service, pharmacy, or GP, to give them the best chance of quitting.
“Providing accessible stop smoking services is a vital component of the next tobacco control strategy. The new Government has made a commitment to develop a new comprehensive Scottish strategy on tobacco, and we look forward to seeing continued support for NHS cessation services as a key part of that strategy.”
Anyone wanting to find out more about stopping smoking can phone Smokeline free on 0800 84 84 84. More information on Smokeline and quitting smoking can be found at: www.canstopsmoking.com
Notes for Editors
1. Cessation statistics are published by ISD Scotland (part of NHS National Services Scotland)/ScotPHO (the Scottish Public Health Observatory) and are available in full at: http://www.scotpho.org.uk/smokingcessationstats2010/
Action on Smoking & Health (Scotland) (ASH Scotland) is a registered Scottish charity (SC 010412) and a company limited by guarantee(Scottish company no 141711). The registered office is 8 Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HB.
© 2012 ASH Scotland
ASH Scotland acknowledges with thanks the support of the British Heart Foundation and the Scottish Government in developing our website.
