ASH supports new guidelines that will help smokers quit

ASH NZ is delighted that healthcare workers will now be provided with new guidance on how to help their patients to quit smoking, using new guidelines launched today by the Ministry of Health.

Ben Youdan, ASH director says, “One in five deaths in middle age in New Zealand is attributable to smoking, and most of these could be prevented though stopping smoking. Two thirds of smokers want to quit and providing the best possible support for them to do so will significantly increase the chance of success, and in turn the chances of longer healthier life.

“Stopping smoking is big business, and the choices and options available to smokers, and health professionals can seem daunting. These guidelines are a vital tool in helping to offer the most effective support, and simplifying the options that are available.”

The New Zealand Smoking Cessation Guidelines, coordinated by the Clinical Trials Research Unit at The University of Auckland, will be made available to all health workers across the country. The Guidelines make recommendations and provide information on smoking interventions endorsed by the Ministry of Health, particularly for high-risk groups such as Maori, Pacific peoples, pregnant women and people who use mental health and addiction services.

Coupled with the recent increase of $10m per year in cessation support, New Zealand is fast becoming an ideal place to be if you want to quit smoking.