We have partnered with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian to support anyone who wishes to quit smoking, including NHS Lanarkshire staff, by re-launching the ‘Don’t Wait’ campaign.
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, and encourages anyone who is thinking of quitting smoking or vaping to contact the free NHS stop smoking service, Quit Your Way. Find out more about the campaign.
The service is open Monday – Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and is open to anyone who has any questions or requires support in relation to quitting smoking and vaping, as well as family members of people who smoke.
NHS Lanarkshire staff member Linda, who quit smoking with Quit Your Way, said: “I smoked for 31 years, and have tried on and off to quit for a few years. Previously when I had tried to quit smoking, I didn’t have a support network like Quit Your Way, and this time I felt really positive that I could do it.
“The main change for me since I’ve quit is that I feel healthier, and my breathing is better and clearer, I also have more energy.
“I received my money tin from Quit Your Way and used this to put aside the money I would normally spend on cigarettes, I saved £330 in seven weeks, which I used to redecorate my bedroom. If I hadn’t quit smoking, this would have taken me a lot longer to save the money.
“My nurse advisor, Anne is so lovely and has been so patient, she has also recommended different support ideas to help me.”
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 who are ready to stub out the addiction.
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.”
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 have made 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.”
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.
