The number of Scots who successfully gave up smoking for at least a month has exceeded targets by more than 50 per cent.
Figures released today by ISD Scotland show the smoking cessation target to deliver 80,000 one month quits were exceeded by 56 per cent with 124,734 people giving up the habit between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2014.
A target of 48,000 quits in Scotland’s most deprived areas was also exceeded, with 70,162 saying they had given up.
In total, across NHS Scotland there were 332,285 quit attempts made over the last three years with 195,355 of these attempts made in the 40 per cent most deprived areas.
Over the three year period, 13 of the 14 NHS boards met their target with some exceeding it by more than 60 per cent.
In welcoming this positive news Falkirk West MSP and Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said:
“Giving up smoking is the single best thing anyone can do to improve their health, which I know can be difficult for some. That is why I welcome these latest figures, showing NHS smoking cessation services are continuing to deliver positive results, not only in the Falkirk area but throughout Scotland as a whole.
“While it’s encouraging to see target numbers exceeded, there can be no complacency. Smoking rates are higher in the most deprived areas of my constituency, which can contribute to health inequalities. I as local MSP and Public Health Minister will continue to work to reach out to people in these communities and to help them to quit.
