Wigan smokers told it's time to quit as hundreds of people die

New figures suggest almost 2,400 deaths in Greater Manchester during 2020 were related to cigarettes.

And the call has become all the more pressing because smokers and those with tobacco-related illnesses are proving particularly vulnerable to the serious effects of Covid-19.

The findings have led NHS doctors from some of the most affected areas across the North to join together and make a powerful plea for people to stop smoking in a major new campaign.

Dr Ruth Sharrock, the respiratory consultant who features in the main TV advert for the campaign, said: “I particularly work with patients with COPD and lung cancer, so I see the terrible harms of smoking on a daily basis. It is devastating to watch patients and their families having to deal with such difficult diagnoses. Added to this, in the last few months we have seen the awful effects of Covid-19 across our hospitals and communities. Together this is a particularly deadly combination. It is never too late to see the benefits that come from quitting smoking.

“I see some incredible success stories from patients who have been able to stop, despite considerable health issues already - they get a new lease of life and all wish they had done it sooner. You should never give up on yourself.”

Jane Pilkington, director of population health at the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Record numbers of people are stopping smoking here in Greater Manchester. But for those who continue to smoke, the impacts can be serious – and potentially fatal.

“It is always the case that, if you are a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. As we live with the increased risks presented by coronavirus, there has never been a better time to try to stop.

“But beating an addiction isn’t easy. That’s why we’re so committed to supporting all of our residents who smoke to make attempts to quit. Our local stop smoking services, GPs, pharmacies and new free-to-use app are all here to help.

“So don’t wait – try to quit today. The benefits can be immediate. You and those close to you could enjoy them for years.”

According to analysis by King’s College London and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) of YouGov’s Covid-19 tracker, at least 300,000 people in the UK have quit smoking successfully, a further 550,000 have tried to quit and 2.4 million have cut down on the number of cigarettes they smoke due to concerns about coronavirus.

Council bosses have highlighted the support on offer for people who smoke in Wigan.

Prof Kate Ardern, director of public health at Wigan Council, said: “Our smoking prevalence is one of the lowest in Greater Manchester and for the fourth year running is in the average range for England, yet we remain committed to helping our residents kick the smoking habit.

“Our Healthy Routes service is at the heart of our community and works closely with people accessing their service to help them quit.

“There is lots of support available, such as the QuitPal app, SMS support and free nicotine replacement therapy for those eligible.

“Healthy Routes work with the person to assess what type of support works best for them, with a range of practical, convenient stop smoking support to suit an individual’s lifestyle. Smoking has many negative health implications and we are committed to working with our health partners and our residents to help them make more healthy life choices.”

Smokers can visit YouCanGM.org to find information and details of stop smoking services or call the NHS Stop Smoking helpline free on 0300 123 1044.

Until October 31, smokers in Greater Manchester can get six months’ free access to the Smoke Free app when they sign up at smokefreeapp.com/GM. It has been scientifically proven to double a smokers’ chances of quitting and has already helped half a million people stop smoking.

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