ISLAND’S NEW SMOKING CESSATION SUPPORT SERVICE GETS OFF TO A FLYING START

The Health Directorate launched their new Smoking Cessation Support clinic to help smokers who want to quit on Sunday, 1 July 2018. The service, run by Community Nurses who have been receiving specialist training in smoking cessation, has proved popular so far. The free offer of a four week trial of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in particular is being keenly taken up by people who have thought about quitting and saw this as an opportunity to get some help and have a better chance of success.

Health Promotion & Social Marketing Lead, Dr Angie Jackson-Morris, commented:

“We know from local data here on St Helena that around one fifth of current smokers have seriously thought about quitting, and one in ten have had a serious try during the last 12 months. The research evidence shows that quitting is much more effective when people have advice and support alongside use of NRT and we are now able to offer this via the new service and the availability of the free four week course of NRT for anyone who wants to quit.”

Hospital Nursing Officer, Lisa Niemand, who is leading the nursing staff team delivering the service, added:

“It’s great to see that people are starting to use the new service. As an ex-smoker myself I know that having help to quit is really important, and also Nicotine Replacement Therapy makes a big difference to being successful.”

The service provides motivation, support, and advice for people who want to quit, especially those who have tried unsuccessfully in the past. Appointments can be booked with Medical Records at the Hospital or by calling 23563.

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 SHG

6 July 2018

St Helena Government Communications Hub

Telephone: 22470
Email: kimberley.peters@sainthelena.gov.sh