The British Lung Foundation is calling for Nicotine Replacement Therapy to be provided free of charge to people for as long as they need it after the National Institute for Clinical Excellence issued advice on the best way to encourage people to give up smoking.
The charity is also urging healthcare professionals to treat smokers in a non-judgmental manner so that they do not feel stigmatised by their addiction.
“Smoking needs to be treated as a disease in its own right in a similar way to alcoholism or high blood pressure and requires a long term attitude,” says Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation.
“Nicotine Replacement Therapy and smoking cessation services need to be made available to people for as long as they need it, which, in some cases, may be for life. Considering how much smoking related illnesses cost the NHS, this would be a cost-effective way of encouraging people to kick the habit.”
If someone does not get nicotine replacement products on prescription, it can cost around £20 for a week’s supply of patches or gum, depending on the brand and strength.
For more advice on how to stop smoking, please click here.
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