The NHS Highland Smoke-free Service is launching new clinics across Highland and Argyll and Bute to help people stop smoking. The new and re-launching clinics after the Covid pandemic coincide with the UK health campaign ‘Stoptober.’
These clinics include Aviemore, Brora, Campbeltown, Culloden, Fort William, Inverness, Lochgilphead, Lybster, Mallaig, Nairn, Thurso and Wick and will continue beyond October. Further clinics will open soon, including Isle of Bute and Cowal.
People who wish to give up smoking or vaping can receive 12 weeks' support and medication with specialist trained stop smoking advisers.
The new clinics will be held at Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital, Inverness Eastgate Centre and Merkinch Family Centre. There is also a specialist clinic to support people to stop smoking during pregnancy at Clava, Inverness Community Midwives Base.
Smoking rates in Scotland have been falling steadily since 2003, and tens of thousands of people are supported to quit each year. Last year across NHS Highland, which includes Highland and Argyll and Bute, 413 people had successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks. NHS Highland has recorded 6,417 successful quits at 12 weeks over the last 10 years.
Depending on location and preference, support is offered through in-person clinics, phone calls or video calls using the NHS Near Me facility.
Susan Birse, Health Improvement Principal at NHS Highland, said: “Smoking is the leading cause of preventable early death in Scotland. We are pleased to offer additional in-person clinics to give people more choice for support. Particularly now when many are feeling the squeeze on household budgets, quitting can help save money as well as bring many health benefits.”
She added: “Stoptober provides a good opportunity for people who are thinking of giving up to take the plunge and quit for good, with our support – you’re three times more likely to be successful than quitting alone.”
A recent client of the Smoke-free Service who stopped smoking 15 weeks ago said: “Many thanks for your help and support over the last 12 weeks. It really means a lot to me to be able to say I’m still smoke-free. I’m happy to share this if it will help others to take the same journey to better health (and wealth) that I now have.”
People keen to learn more or self-refer to the Highland Smoke-free Service can:
- phone 01463 704619
- visit the Smoke Free Highland website
- ask to be referred by their GP or another health professional
