People urged to stop smoking in order to help save NHS cash

MILLIONS of pounds are going up in smoke each year – and people are being urged to make this the year they kick the habit.

NHS Yorkshire And The Humber figures suggest about £24 million is lost from the North Lincolnshire economy in sick days and hospital appointments directly related to smoking each year.

But that figure may be set to drop, with more than 1,400 people signing up to NHS North Lincolnshire's Stop Smoking service over the past year. Frances Cunning, North Lincolnshire's director of public health, is delighted so many people are choosing to quit the habit.

She said: "It is great news that the number of people giving up smoking in North Lincolnshire is on the up.

"Giving up smoking is one of the single most important changes people could make to improve their health.

"Smokers who use NHS Stop Smoking services are four times more likely to quit than those who go it alone."

More than 840 smokers in North Lincolnshire successfully quit as a result of the service, smashing the Government target of 600.

The figures is also the highest the region has achieved since records began in 2001.

David Hardy, the Stop Smoking service manager said: "North Lincolnshire NHS Stop Smoking services offer a range of options to smokers wanting to quit their addiction to tobacco.

"Our advisors work with smokers providing impartial advice and information and will tailor a programme to meet the needs of individual smokers. The service is free, friendly and flexible".

Deborah Arnott, director of the anti-smoking charity Action On Smoking And Health, said: "This is clearly positive news for the North Lincolnshire area and confirmation of the positive benefits of stop smoking services.

"We hope that, in the current climate, funding remains forthcoming to help these services which ease a significant burden on the NHS."

For further information, as well as details of the walk-in centres in North Lincolnshire, call service on 0845 6032166