Society develops materials to support stop-smoking services
In preparation for “Smokefree England”, which comes into force on 1 July 2007, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has produced new practice support materials on providing smoking cessation services.
“Stop smoking support services” (PDF 80K) consists
of two double-sided information sheets outlining how to provide support
to the number of
smokers expected
to quit following the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
The first sheet gives an overview of the services that pharmacists can
provide. with evidence and successful examples. The second sheet provides
a list of resources and websites to support those wanting to develop
these services further.
“Stop smoking support services” is the first resource in
a new series, “Connect
with pharmacy”. The Society hopes to extend the series to demonstrate
the role that pharmacy can play in improving public health.
Lindsey Gilpin, a community pharmacist member of the English Pharmacy
Board, said: “Stop smoking support is an area that I am passionate
about. It is a service that pharmacists can provide to support patients
and alleviate pressure from GPs. It is a really rewarding part of my
job to see that I have helped someone to make a difference in their life
and kick the habit.”
Paul Gimson, the Society’s lead pharmacist for long-term conditions
and public health, said: “With the smoking ban approaching, the
Society is working towards raising public awareness of the support pharmacists
can provide to smokers. Pharmacists can help to reduce the burden faced
by the rest of the NHS when demand for services increases with the smoking
ban. We urge all commissioners to more actively consider the role of
pharmacy in smoking cessation and to consult the Society’s practice
materials for support.”
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The
Pharmaceutical Journal