Smokers in Derby are being urged to give quitting another go this No Smoking Day (9th March) as a series of powerful new films from those working in the NHS are launched.

The films offer advice to people on the importance of stopping smoking and come as new YouGov data commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) reveals that even when visiting their GP about a non-smoking related matter, more than two in every 5 (42%) smokers expect to get advice about quitting.

The survey highlights the difference trusted healthcare professionals can make, with the findings showing:

  • 28% of smokers say that the advice would prompt them to make a quit attempt.
  • A further 35% would be encouraged to quit at a later date or to cut down the number of cigarettes smoked.
  • Even among smokers who say they wouldn’t expect advice to stop, more than half (53%) would take some action to address their smoking if their GP advised them to do so.

The new films are voiced by healthcare professionals from across the country in recognition of the impact their words can have on smokers. By informing patients of the risks of smoking and the best ways to quit it can often help prevent them developing serious complications and smoking related illnesses.

Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing, Cllr Roy Webb said:

Smoking is the single greatest cause of premature death and together with our local partners, we are committed to helping people to quit to improve their health outcomes, particularly in our most disadvantaged communities where smoking prevalence is higher.

The Council’s Livewell service has supported thousands of people to go smoke free through a personalized plan of expert support and free treatments and as a former smoker myself. I know how difficult it is to give up and I wish that Livewell was around for support when I was quitting. I would urge anyone thinking of quitting to sign up for help today.”

Carol Gilboy (58) from Derby quit with support from Derby City Council’s Livewell service two years ago. After 42 years of smoking, her motivation to quit came when she saw a poster explaining the link between smoking and poor eye health during a cataract appointment at the Royal Derby Hospital. She said:

Smoking is known to cause heart disease and lung cancer but I had no idea about the detrimental effects that smoking could have on my vision.  It made me think about my health generally so I decided it was a good time to try to quit.

Livewell’s phone support and eight weeks of nicotine patches worked really well for me and I have to admit I found it easier than I ever thought I would.

Since quitting I’ve saved more than £2500 and my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms have improved – I’m less breathless doing every day activities.  I genuinely believe it’s possible for anyone to quit with the right support and treatment options so I hope people take this opportunity on No Smoking Day to give it a go to improve their lives.”

Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, who is helping to co-ordinate this year’s No Smoking Day, said:

No one should give up on giving up. Every time someone tries to stop smoking, they are a step closer to success. Like anything worth doing it can take practice to stop smoking – but there is lots of help out there.  

Smokers are three times more likely to succeed in quitting with help from a trained professional than with willpower alone. Healthcare professionals can refer them to this support, but smokers can also find their local free service by searching ‘smokefree’ and entering their postcode.

NHS staff fear smokers won’t listen to them, but they can make the difference. Most smokers wish they’d never started and are looking for a way out. Any health professional can help show them the way and have an everlasting impact on someone’s health. Today is the day to seize the moment.”

Livewell offers free support and Nicotine Replacement Therapy products to people registered to a Derby GP practice.  To find out more and book a phone appointment, visit the Livewell website.