Glasgow's stop smoking services helped thousands of residents

Figures from Public Health Scotland show NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Quit Your Way staff supported nearly 9000 quit attempts.

And more than a quarter of those gave up smoking for good.

Geraldine Lucas, Health Improvement Lead for Tobacco at NHSGGC, said: “The pandemic brought with it a number of challenges, not least with social distancing and the impact that had on our services.

"We worked quickly, adapting our services so that we could continue to provide support to people who had made the decision to quit.

"Our message is that even during the most difficult times, our stop smoking services are there to help support you to quit your own way."

This week NHSGGC, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Lothian recently re-launched the Don’t Wait campaign.

The social media campaign features NHS respiratory consultant, Dr Colin Church, emphasising that it’s never too late to see the benefits that come from quitting smoking.

Geraldine added: “We know that smoking tobacco damages the lungs and airways causing a range of severe respiratory problems and right now, more than ever, we want to encourage all people who smoke to give quitting a go.

“We are offering telephone and video support, and relaying the key message that quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health.”

Smoking is linked to many illnesses and long-term conditions, substantially increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, stroke and cancer.

Anna Baxendale, Head of Health Improvement at NHSGGC said: “It’s heartening to see that our teams have adapted to the challenges caused by the pandemic, allowing us to continue to support people to stop smoking.

“Giving up smoking is not something people have to do on their own and with the right support, it can increase their chances of quitting.”

To find out more about the stop smoking services call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 or see QuitYourWay.scot