NHS Begins New Drive to Help Scots Smokers Quit

NHS Health Scotland is linking with health boards across the country on a new stop smoking campaign, with events taking place across the country this month.

The campaign will be aimed at the 723,000 adult smokers in Scotland who say they would like to quit, with NHS advisers offering free information and advice, as well as distributing free DVDs. Kerry McKenzie, Health Improvement Programme Manager at Health Scotland, said: “Our research shows that smokers are four times more likely to quit if they combine nicotine replacement therapy with stop smoking sessions. So we are going all-out to show would-be quitters how much help is available free of charge and give them the encouragement they need with no preaching.”

NHS Lothian has just launched a new scheme in collaboration with local pharmacies, providing up to 12 weeks of one-to-one support, with nicotine replacement therapy on prescription directly from the pharmacist.

The number for Smokeline is: 0800 84 84 84.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

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