During 2007/08, 21,476 people set a quit date through the smoking cessation services, an increase of 7,681 on the figure for the same period last year.
Dr McBride said: “We know that the vast majority of smokers want to give up smoking, and I welcome the 56% increase on the previous year in the number of people who set a quit date through smoking cessation services.
“This increase is particularly impressive given that we already experienced high levels of people kicking the habit in 2007 following the introduction of the smoke-free legislation. The momentum of the legislation is obviously still with us and that can only be a good thing for the health of the people of Northern Ireland.
“The legislation was introduced with the primary aim of improving public health, and I would encourage anyone thinking about quitting to contact the cessation services and take the first step in quitting.
“We have to ensure that we continue to achieve this success. The Department is currently in the process of rolling forward its Tobacco Action Plan. The new plan will set out the direction the Department intends to take to achieve its overall aim of a ‘tobacco-free society’.
“Improving and protecting our health will be a key aim of our new system and the new public health agency will give us the renewed and energised focus on public health we need to create a society were everyone is equally well.”
Dr McBride added: “Smoking is thought to be the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland.
“With 350,000 smokers in Northern Ireland, we still face a huge challenge. Smoking alone accounts for half the difference in health outcomes for the most deprived in society.
“If you quit smoking, you are likely to add years to your life, breathe more easily, and your food will taste better. You will have both better health and extra money for spending or saving.”
Dr. McBride added: “Nicotine Replacement Therapy is the most popular choice for those trying to quit and the Department will ensure that access to this treatment will continue to be made available.
“The cessation services throughout Northern Ireland are doing a fantastic job in encouraging and supporting people in their efforts to quit. The Smoker’s helpline on 0800 858 585 is a freephone service which provides advice and support about stopping smoking, or ask your GP or pharmacist.”
Notes to Editors:
- The statistical report is available at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/public_health/statistics-and-research-smoking-cessation.htm
- There are now over 300 community pharmacies across Northern Ireland who are commissioned to provide a smoking cessation service. The service offers smokers a 12 week programme of advice and support, with free NRT available for those eligible for free prescriptions.
- All pharmacy-based services are registered with ‘The NI Smokers Helpline’, 0800 858 585. This is the first point of contact for many smokers seeking help to quit, as it keeps a database of all specialist smoking cessation services in the region, directing smokers to the service that is most suitable for their needs.
- Evidence has shown that Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) doubles your chances of stopping. It is available in various forms: including chewing gum, patches, inhalator, nasal spray, and tablets. These can be bought over the counter from pharmacies, supplied through the pharmacy smoking cessation service, or on prescription. There are also a couple of other drug treatments which are only available on prescription from your GP.
- The Department's Five Year Tobacco Action Plan 2003-2008 is in the process of being reviewed to assess progress made towards the achievement of its key objectives. A working group is currently being set up roll forward the action plan for a further five years. While the plan will be aimed at the population as a whole, it is likely to retain its focus on the three key target groups identified in 2003 - children and young people, disadvantaged adults who smoke and pregnant women who smoke.
- Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number on 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
