New analysis by the British Lung Foundation reveals GPs prescribing practices for quitting services and treatment has reduced significantly across the UK.

A report published today by the British Lung Foundation (BLF) highlights a 75% decline in stop smoking aids being prescribed by GPs and pharmacists across the country. The new analysis by the BLF suggests that smokers are being discriminated against and Clinical Commissioning Groups are prioritising saving money over saving lives.

The BLF report, ‘Less Help to Quit’ argues that it’s vital to understand that tobacco dependency is an illness that requires urgent treatment.

The report’s main finding outline:

• In England there was a 75% decline in the number of stop smoking aids dispensed in 2016- 17 compared with 2005-6.
• Scotland saw a 40% drop in stop smoking aids prescribed, while in Wales, the number of all stop smoking products dispensed in 2016-17 fell to just a third of what was dispensed in 2007-08.
• Regional variation of CCG prescribing levels is huge. There are many areas where prescriptions are extremely low, even in areas with high numbers of smokers.

In summary the charity said all smokers should be able to expect their GP to give them access to stop smoking medication, either by prescribing themselves or by referral to a specialist service.

The British Lung Foundation has pointed out that the decline in prescriptions greatly outpaces the steady decline in the number of people smoking across Britain.

Alison Cook, Director of Policy for the British Lung Foundation, said: “People who smoke are likely to be high users of NHS services. Decommissioning the prescribing of stop smoking aids will only achieve short-term savings. Worryingly, it will shore up a greater burden on the NHS in the long run in terms of hospital admissions and the impact on already stretched A&E services. The decisions are foolhardy and must be reversed.

“It’s obvious cost pressures in local authorities are due to cuts from central Government and the main reason these vital services are vanishing. NICE guidance is clear that all smokers should have access to specialist services where they can receive clinically-effective support based on their own needs and preferences.”

The new BLF analysis shows this simply isn’t happening. Smokers are discriminated against depending on where they live due to the commissioning choices made by local NHS bosses.

The report recommends

• The UK government reverses the cuts to public health funding for local authorities.
• Commissioners of stop smoking services remove from contracts any unfair restrictions on which, and how many, approved stop smoking products can be prescribed.
• The Scottish government maintains its commitment to sustainable funding of stop smoking services in its new Tobacco Control Strategy.

Cook continued, “CCGs should immediately retract all guidance to GPs which withdraws their right to prescribe stop smoking medications. We are making a big mistake as these services could potentially save an NHS immersed in financial difficulties, millions.”

You can find out more about the British Lung Foundation here.