NPA stresses importance of pharmacies in new year’s smoking resolutions

The key role that pharmacies play in providing support to people as they try to keep their new year’s resolution of stopping smoking has been outlined by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).

In a statement, the organisation explained that many community pharmacies are now able to provide free advice and support to people who are keen to quit.

The body, which was established in 1921, outlined a number of reasons as to why pharmacies are good place to seek such assistance.

These include the fact that they are convenient to get to – with the majority of people living within 500 metres of one – and the fact that they are confidential due to the professional ethics contained within the pharmacy code of practice.

Commenting, NPA chief executive John Turk said: “Smokers are four times more likely to quit should nicotine replacement therapy be accompanied by support such as that provided in a pharmacy.”