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08/07/2003
Action plan aims to reduce smoking-related illness
The Department of Health has launched a new initiative aimed at reducing the numbers of deaths in Northern Ireland from smoking-related illness.
The Tobacco Action Plan was launched on Tuesday by Dr Henrietta Campbell, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
Pointing out that smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death, Dr Campbell said: “We estimate that smoking-related illness costs the Health and Social Services here over £22m each year. Behind these statistics lie a great deal of human suffering and misery. There is therefore an imperative to tackle smoking and its impact on our health.
“This five year Plan is the first phase of a long-term strategy to create a tobacco-free society. It is a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach to tackling the smoking problem in the years ahead.”
It has been estimated that smoking-related illness accounts for around 3,000 premature deaths in the province each year. Statistics from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, which monitors the level of cancer and survival rates In Northern Ireland, show a decline in lung cancer deaths among men, but a steady increase in smoking levels among women, leading to correspondingly higher rates of lung cancer.
Dr Campbell added: “Most people today are well aware that smoking is bad for their health, yet the addictive nature of nicotine makes it very difficult for many to give up without expert help. This is one of the reasons why I am encouraged by the number of smokers contacting services. The series of actions identified in the Plan will focus on support for the 70% of smokers who say they wish to quit as well as focusing on prevention initiatives and on protecting non-smokers from tobacco smoke.”
The Tobacco Action Plan was launched on Tuesday by Dr Henrietta Campbell, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
Pointing out that smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death, Dr Campbell said: “We estimate that smoking-related illness costs the Health and Social Services here over £22m each year. Behind these statistics lie a great deal of human suffering and misery. There is therefore an imperative to tackle smoking and its impact on our health.
“This five year Plan is the first phase of a long-term strategy to create a tobacco-free society. It is a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach to tackling the smoking problem in the years ahead.”
It has been estimated that smoking-related illness accounts for around 3,000 premature deaths in the province each year. Statistics from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, which monitors the level of cancer and survival rates In Northern Ireland, show a decline in lung cancer deaths among men, but a steady increase in smoking levels among women, leading to correspondingly higher rates of lung cancer.
Dr Campbell added: “Most people today are well aware that smoking is bad for their health, yet the addictive nature of nicotine makes it very difficult for many to give up without expert help. This is one of the reasons why I am encouraged by the number of smokers contacting services. The series of actions identified in the Plan will focus on support for the 70% of smokers who say they wish to quit as well as focusing on prevention initiatives and on protecting non-smokers from tobacco smoke.”
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A conference has heard that smokers across Northern Ireland are to be again urged to break free from their smoking habit. That was the challenge set this week by the No Smoking Day team and the Ulster Cancer Foundation at a regional conference to brief health professionals in preparation for No Smoking Day – Wednesday 14th March 2012.
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Make It Your New Year's Resolution To Stop Smoking
As the New Year approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to make a resolution worth keeping – to quit smoking. The agency has launched a mass media campaign to encourage people to stop smoking and highlight the free quit services that are available across Northern Ireland.
09 January 2004
Health Service needs to tackle smoking health problems
More must be done by the Health Service to tackle the problem of smoking among people with mental health problems, a University of Ulster researcher said today.
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Smoking To Be Banned On NI Hospital Sites
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11 March 2010
No Smoking Day Success
Thousands of smokers stubbed-it out yesterday as the Ulster Cancer Foundation's (UCF) annual No Smoking Day helped people across NI to kick the habit. Day two for 'quitters' looms, but one ex-smoker said it is important to persevere.
No Smoking Day Success
Thousands of smokers stubbed-it out yesterday as the Ulster Cancer Foundation's (UCF) annual No Smoking Day helped people across NI to kick the habit. Day two for 'quitters' looms, but one ex-smoker said it is important to persevere.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
