Smokers have a 50% chance of premature death due to tobacco-related disease.

The most effective (and by far the most cost-effective) intervention in primary care to prevent cancer and heart disease death and disability is smoking cessation.  At any one time 75% of all smokers want to give up now.

It's vital not to forget that being told by their GP or practice nurse to stop smoking "or it will kill you" remains one of the more powerful sources of impetus for people accessing smoking cessation services.  The message needs to be repeated.

For those unable to do it on their own, specialist advice/counselling is more effective again, with quit rates in Somerset Coast of over 50%, above the research average.  That specialist advice is best given in the patients' own practice for added power of the message.

Sally McCann coordinates specialist smoking cessation services for the PCT and runs clinics as well.  Click here for a referral form to email or send through the post.  We are developing the service into Somerset Coast Stop Smoking Service so we can more clearly:

By following the links on the left you'll find further resources and information to help, including referral forms to download and details of the 2003/04 incentive scheme.

QUICK LINKS