Guild says community pharmacists can help smokers

Guild says community pharmacists can be better utilised to help smokers quit

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (Inc) (the Guild) supports the Government’s decision to increase the price of tobacco and would like to see community pharmacists better utilised in the fight against smoking-related harm. The tax on cigarettes increased by 10% yesterday and there will be a further 10% increase next year.

As frontline health professionals community pharmacists are often the first place people go for health advice - they are perfectly placed to provide support and advice to help smokers quit.

“Community pharmacists see the effects of smoking every day and support any move by the Government to encourage patients to give up smoking. Many of our members have already lent their support to promote smoking cessation in their pharmacies during May, which coincides with World Smokefree Day on 31 May,” says the Guild’s Chief Executive, Annabel Young.

“We would like to see community pharmacists eligible to become Quit Card providers. This would allow them to provide smokers with support and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at the first point of contact. Community pharmacists have the knowledge to provide lifestyle advice about quitting and guidance regarding the safe and appropriate use of NRT. They can also provide support and give advice about what to expect from a treatment plan.

“The accessibility of pharmacists in the community setting will enable them to build up a long-term relationship with their patients which helps ensure that they don’t slip back into the habit of smoking.”

Community pharmacies will be using specially designed prescription bags during May that carry the smoking cessation message as part of their support of World Smokefree Day. The message highlights the importance of being a good role model and emphasises how children who see a parent smoking are more likely to pick up the habit.

ENDS

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