Scotland to ban smoking indoors
Pharmacists' role in smoking cessation will be promoted to
coincide with ban |
Smoking will be banned in enclosed public places in Scotland from 26 March and pharmacists are already reporting an increased demand for smoking cessation advice.
Bill Scott, chief pharmaceutical officer, Scottish Executive, commented: “I
think this is one of the greatest public health measures that has been
taken since the introduction of clean drinking water. Pharmacists have
an essential role to play and it is a great opportunity to contribute
to the public health agenda.”
Community pharmacists’ role in smoking cessation will be promoted
in an advertisement organised by the Scottish Pharmaceutical General
Council. It will appear in the Daily Record on 27 March.
Frank Owens, SPGC chairman, said: “While recognising that the provision
of public health services is, by its nature, a multidisciplinary activity,
I believe that the time is now right to fully recognise and further develop
the public health role of the community pharmacist.
“SPGC is keen to develop this role, particularly around smoking
cessation, and is seeking to have further discussions with the Scottish
Executive
with a view to establishing nationwide pharmacy-based smoking cessation
services.”
Commenting on the increased demand for smoking cessation advice, Catherine
Beaton, of Co-op Pharmacy, Tain, Rosshire, said: “Since January,
sales of NRT have been higher than normal and the number of people asking
for advice on stopping smoking is phenomenal. So even before the ban
actually starts, it has already encouraged people to quit.” |
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