Be Well Tameside is changing how it delivers its Quit Smoking Service following the recent government coronavirus pandemic advice.
To reduce risks to both their clients and staff they are ceasing all face to face consultations and will instead be offering support and advice via telephone, email and text.
They are working with pharmacies to ensure clients get their over the counter stop smoking prescriptions more than before and are working with the GPs to ensure other stop smoking medications are ordered in advance to minimise the pressure on GP practices and clients left without medications.
There is emerging evidence highlighting the risks to smokers from COVID-19. People who smoke are more likely than non-smokers to develop pneumonia, if they get infected with COVID-19.
Smokers are urged to quit now 'more than ever' or face greater risk from COVID-19.
Co-Chairs, Drs Asad Ali and Ashwin Ramachandra, at NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group said: "People have been advised to stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus, and measures that the Be Well Tameside stop smoking service has put in place are helping to reinforce the government's message.
"We need to protect our most vulnerable residents in Tameside and Glossop that's why many of our GP practices and services are changing how they see their patients/clients.
"It's another way we can help to tackle the spread of coronavirus and protect our NHS."
For quit smoking information and advice from Be Well Tameside telephone: 0161 716 2000 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
You can also follow them on social media:
- Facebook: Be Well Tameside;
- Twitter: @BeWellTameside;
- Instagram: bewell_tameside
For Glossop residents contact Live Life Better Derbyshire on: 0800 085 2299
or 01629 538 200, or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For stop smoking information
https://www.livelifebetterderbyshire.org.uk/services/stopping-smoking/stopping-smoking.aspx