Kicking the habit (From Warrington Guardian)

Kicking the habit

PHARMACISTS in Warrington are providing expert help to smokers to want to quit the habit.

Since the project was initially launched in January at five pilot sites across the town, 44 per cent of quitters have successfully given up and more pharmacies are now hoping to get on board and join the scheme.

Pharmacists are given specialist training by Warrington Primary Trust's Stop Smoking Service team and smokers are either referred by their GP or make an appointment directly with the pharmacy.

After an initial consultation in a private area at the pharmacy, quitters return for up to seven weekly sessions.

The Co-Op Pharmacy in Birchwood Shopping Centre has seen 111 smokers since the scheme was launched.

Pharmacist manager Kate Molyneux said: "It's about people getting the most appropriate treatment in the most appropriate place. Going to your local pharmacy for help giving up smoking will be the most convenient option for a lot of people. We are moving away from what people traditionally think of as the pharmacist's role and are dealing much more directly with the public. I welcome it."

Angela Holley, aged 56, from Birchwood, quit her 15-a-day habit after attending sessions at the pharmacy in February.

Anyone wanting help to give up should contact Warrington Stop Smoking Service on 843713.