Press release: Investment in smoking cessation will reap health rewards

10 Mar 2005

The Scottish NHS Confederation has welcomed today's announcement by the First Minister of further resources for smoking cessation services as a sound investment in Scotland's health.

Scottish NHS Confederation Director Hilary Robertson said: "This kind of investment will help NHS boards to tackle the root causes of poor health in the communities they serve.  Numerous studies have shown that smoking cessation services are one of the most cost-effective forms of health intervention and can make a significant contribution both to helping smokers give up and to sending out clear messages about the effects of smoking on health."

Ms Robertson continued, "We expect that public demand for smoking cessation services will rise once the prohibition on smoking in public places comes into effect, so we hope that the Executive will continue to increase investment in this area to ensure that the NHS can continue to provide quick and effective services for everyone who wants them.  It is an excellent use of public money which will not only reduce the huge costs to the NHS of smoking-related ill-health, but will also reap long-term rewards in Scotland's health. "

Ends

Notes for editors

1. The Scottish NHS Confederation is the independent representative body for Scotland's NHS boards and special health boards.  We are committed to improving health policy and practice.

Contact details

For further information contact: 

Donald Crichton on 01786 434 943 or 07775 582 123

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