Smokers in Hackney trying to quit the habit are getting the best help in the country thanks to to a free service from GPs.
Run by the City and Hackney GP Confederation – a group of 42 doctors – the Stop Smoking Service hubs are helping record numbers of smokers quit, according to NHS figures. More than 750 people a year are giving up for four weeks or longer.
About 20 per cent of people in Hackney smoke, compared with 15pc across London and 16pc in England.
New figures released for Stoptober show for the fourth year running the number of people who use the service quitting has risen, from 20pc when the service launched in 2014, to 51pc.
The nine hubs can be found in surgeries run by members of the confederation, but referrals can be made from all. Funding from the council has been secured until 2021.
Health advisors work with smokers in a one-to one, 12-week tailored programme of behavioural support and medication.
Confederation chair Dr Deborah Colvin, said: “The best thing GPs can do for their patients is to help them to stop smoking – it is the one thing that improves health more than anything else.”
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