Smokers in Rutherglen and Cambuslang who want to stub out the habit are being helped to quit by a new campaign.
NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian, have partnered together to support those who wish to quit smoking, by launching their joint campaign, ‘Don’t Wait’.
Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in Scotland.
This three-pronged campaign between Scotland’s largest health boards focuses on the harm smoking can cause and the free NHS stop-smoking services available to help stub out the addiction.
The campaign features NHS respiratory consultant, Dr Colin Church, emphasising that it’s never too late to see the benefits that come from quitting smoking.
Those who begin their quit journey feel the benefits almost straight away and will be in a better position to deal with any illness which affects breathing and lungs.
Shirley Mitchell, tobacco control programme manager at NHS Lanarkshire commented: “It’s inspiring to see that people are still looking to quit smoking during such challenging times.
“We have adapted our services, in line within coronavirus restrictions, to be able to continue to support not only those looking to quit, but also their family members and anyone who has queries in regards to stopping smoking.
“Through partnership working, we will be in a much stronger position to raise awareness of this free NHS service available.”
Smoking is linked to many illnesses and long-term conditions, substantially increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, stroke and cancer, while people who smoke are more likely to get more serious symptoms if they catch coronavirus.
Quit Your Way is a free NHS stop smoking service. To find out more details, call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm.
Residents can also visit their local Community Pharmacy for free stop smoking support.
