NPA: Pharmacies can play role in meeting Welsh smoking targets

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has highlighted the potentially major role consumer medicine retailers can play in aiding smoking cessation initiatives in Wales.

Responding to a consultation over the Draft Tobacco Control Action Plan for the country, the organisation is urging the Welsh Assembly to recognise the level of support community pharmacies can offer those attempting to quit smoking.

Currently, less than ten percent of NPA members in Wales are commissioned to offer an NHS-approved smoking cessation service, a fact that Steve Simmonds, NPA representation manager for Wales, described as "disappointing".

He suggested incorporating pharmacies into tobacco control initiatives will help the Welsh Assembly meet its ambitious smoking targets, while allowing less well-off residents to benefit from support when quitting.

"We propose that a fully integrated community service encompassing Stop Smoking Wales, community pharmacy and other primary care providers is established," he said.

This comes after health secretary Andrew Lansley acknowledged the role of pharmacists in leading the NHS as part of its planned reforms, during a statement to the King's Fund Leadership Conference last month.