By Stewart Ross

THE NUMBER of Fifers stubbing out their smoking habit has doubled since the smoke ban was imposed across Scotland in March.

The specialist teams working within Fife NHS “have never been busier” and have brought in more staff since referrals from would-be quitters rocketed.

Smoking cessation services in Fife cover the Glenrothes and north-east Fife area, Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth, Dunfermline and west Fife, as well as the Quit 4 Life midwife-led service for pregnant women and their partners.

Precise figures for quitters are difficult to assess as many people use their own techniques and willpower, but the apparent effects of the Executive smoking ban in pubs and clubs has delighted health professionals.

Historically one of the commonest reasons for people starting to smoke again has been to socialise with smoking friends. It is estimated the new law will reduce smoking prevalence by around 2%, leading to around 5000 smokers in Fife stopping.

The Scottish Executive health department has allocated £426,000 to NHS Fife in the next year for investment in smoking cessation.

“This has enabled services to increase capacity in terms of staffing and resources,” said tobacco issues co-ordinator Carolyn Walker.

“Currently there are 10 members of the smoking cessation team in Fife. Their specialist services offer a structured programme of support, either on a one-to-one or group basis.”

Most NHS Fife services are free and a typical programme of support lasts around seven weeks. Clients are not expected to attend the first session as a non-smoker.

“The quit date is usually set for week three of the programme so that the smoking cessation specialist can work with the client to develop an action plan,” said Carolyn.

“People are often surprised at how friendly and informal the programme is and being part of a group with a common goal is a positive and fun experience for many.”

To complement the work of smoking cessation teams, there is a growing network of pharmacy schemes across Fife providing nicotine replacement therapy such as patches or Zyban tablets.

Quit for Life, a midwife-led smoking cessation service for pregnant women and their partners, was set up in March. It involves specialist support from the Quit for Life midwives, and help for women and their partners who smoke and want to stop.

“Since the ban came into force many more smokers are making a serious attempt to stop,” said Carolyn.

“By attending a smoking cessation service and using NRT/Zyban, they are four times more likely to quit than going cold turkey.

“We know it often takes people a few attempts before they are able to quit for good.”