Free nicotine patches for New Year quitters

Smokers in Nottinghamshire are being offered a week's worth of free nicotine patches to help them kick the habit in 2011.

NHS Nottinghamshire County is encouraging people to get a 'Quit Kit' from a participating pharmacy.  It includes a stress toy, a tool to work out how much money can be saved, calming audio downloads and coupons for the patches.

The kits are from 22 local pharmacies.  To find your local one, visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk.

People are twice more likely to succeed with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) than willpower alone, research shows.

It gives a gradual, low dose of nicotine, which helps to avoid strong cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.   

It is hoped the Quit Kits will help thousands of people who vowed to give up cigarettes as a New Year's resolution.  Last year, more than 5,000 smokers from Nottinghamshire quit.

Lynn Robinson, Stop Smoking lead from NHS Nottinghamshire County said: "A lot of people have decided to give up in the New Year and we hope the Quit Kit helps them to quit for good. 

"Stopping smoking is hard.  However, it can dramatically increase someones chances of living a longer life, which also benefits their children too".

Smokers are four times more likely to quit smoking with free NHS support.  Call New Leaf, Nottinghamshire's stop smoking service, on 0800 389 7712.

As an aside from the Quit Kits, NHS Nottinghamshire County runs a NRT voucher scheme which entitles you up to 12 weeks worth of free NRT products (if you do not pay for prescriptions).  If you do pay for prescriptions, you'll only have to pay a one off payment of a prescription charge.

For more information and support ask your local GP or Pharmacist for support.