DoH reports positive impact of smokefree England

The Department of Health (DoH) has released new statistics showing a big increase in quitters following the introduction of the smoking ban in England last summer.

Figures show that over 150,000 smokers have kicked the habit between April and September 2007 – an increase of nearly a third on the same period in 2006.

The NHS Stop Smoking Service also highlighted increasing demand for its services after the legislation came into force on July 1st 2007.

In particular, the Getting Off Cigarettes campaign has led to a significant rise in the number of calls to its Stop Smoking Hotline, reports the DoH.

Between the campaign’s launch on December 26th 2007 and January 13th 2008, the DoH has seen 73,000 smokers visit the campaign website, 9,000 calls the helpline and 13,000 request an information pack via text message and interactive TV.

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo welcomed the statistics and confirmed that the NHS Stop Smoking Service was providing a “vital service”.

“These figures are confirmation that the £56 million we invested into the service last year was money well spent,” she added.

In October 2007, the age of sale of tobacco was increased from 16 to 18 years.