70,000 lives saved by NHS Stop Smoking Services

At least 70,000 lives have been saved by NHS Stop Smoking Services in the ten years since they were established, according to new figures released this month.

The number of people whose lives have been saved could fill Old Trafford football stadium or 875 double decker buses.

NHS Stop Smoking Services celebrate their ten-year anniversary this month. During the last decade, the number of people smoking in the UK has plummeted, with smoking prevalence among the general population dropping from 28 per cent to below 21 per cent. Building on the UK’s cutting-edge smokefree policies, the development of the NHS Stop Smoking Services has been pivotal in achieving these successes.

Minister for Public Health, Gillian Merron said:

“I am proud of the hard work behind every one of these 70,000 success stories. Every life saved represents a battle against an addiction – a triumph for the individual and their family. Stopping smoking is hard, but thanks to free local NHS Stop Smoking Services, you are up to four times more likely to succeed.”

Patricia Miles, 70, of Brighton, was one of the first smokers to benefit from her local NHS Stop Smoking Service 10 years ago. She said:

“When I started smoking everyone did it. My mother, husband and sister smoked. But my son hates smoking and wouldn’t go near the stuff. It feels wonderful to have quit and I am so thankful that my local Stop Smoking Service made me one of the 70,000 lives they saved.”

The establishment of the NHS Stop Smoking Services in 1999 revolutionised England’s approach towards stopping smoking, making it one of the few countries to offer free stop smoking support and advice to the public in every region.

England is at the forefront in tackling the damage that tobacco does and has constantly adapted to the needs of the public. Now, local NHS Stop Smoking Services offer a range of support for individuals and groups – recognising that not everyone responds as well to the same treatment.

There are more than 150 local NHS Stop Smoking Services throughout England providing free support at GP practices, local community sports and leisure centres, workplaces, dental practices, high street pharmacists, third sector organisations and children’s centres.

Research shows that smokers are up to four times more likely to stop smoking successfully with NHS Support. For more information on going smokefree visit nhs.uk/smokefree.