NHS Stop Smoking Service
Stopping smoking is one of the most important steps you can take for your health, but doing it alone can be difficult. At Procters Pharmacy, our NHS Stop Smoking Service gives you practical advice, ongoing support and access to suitable stop-smoking treatments to help you quit successfully.
How Procters Pharmacy can help
Our pharmacists provide personalised support based on your smoking habits, previous quit attempts and reasons for wanting to stop.
The service may include:
- One-to-one support from a trained adviser
- Help choosing a quit date
- Advice on managing cravings and withdrawal
- Carbon monoxide breath testing
- Nicotine replacement therapy where suitable
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Support to prevent relapse
You are more likely to quit successfully when you have the right support and treatment in place.
Why stop smoking?
The benefits of quitting begin quickly and continue over time.
Stopping smoking can help:
- Improve your breathing
- Reduce coughing and wheezing
- Lower your risk of heart disease and stroke
- Reduce your risk of cancer
- Improve circulation
- Improve taste and smell
- Protect the health of people around you
- Save money
The sooner you stop, the sooner your body can begin to recover.
What happens at your first consultation?
During your first appointment, a member of the Procters Pharmacy team will speak with you privately about:
- How much you smoke
- When and why you tend to smoke
- Your reasons for wanting to quit
- Any previous attempts you have made
- What made those attempts difficult
- Which treatment options may suit you
Together, we will agree on a quit date and create a plan that feels achievable.
You may also be offered a carbon monoxide breath test. This is a quick, painless test that measures the level of carbon monoxide in your body from cigarette smoke.
Stop-smoking treatments
Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend nicotine replacement therapy to help control cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Options may include:
- Nicotine patches
- Gum
- Lozenges
- Inhalators
- Mouth sprays
- Nasal sprays
Your Procters adviser will explain how each option works and help you choose the most suitable treatment.
In some cases, a combination of products may be recommended, such as a patch for steady support alongside a faster-acting product for sudden cravings.
Ongoing support
Quitting smoking is a process, not a single appointment.
After your quit date, you will usually have regular contact with the Procters Pharmacy team. This may be in person or by phone, depending on the service available.
During the first few weeks, we will:
- Check how you are getting on
- Help you manage cravings
- Review any treatment you are using
- Repeat carbon monoxide testing where appropriate
- Discuss any setbacks
- Help you avoid returning to smoking
Support is usually more frequent at the beginning and then reduces as you become more confident.
Preventing relapse
It is common to experience difficult moments after stopping smoking.
Our team will help you recognise your triggers and prepare practical ways to deal with them.
This may include:
- Changing routines linked to smoking
- Planning for social situations
- Managing stress without cigarettes
- Using stop-smoking treatments correctly
- Recovering quickly after a lapse
- Setting short-term goals and rewards
A lapse does not mean you have failed. The important thing is to seek support and continue with your quit attempt.
Why choose Procters Pharmacy?
- Friendly support from a trusted local pharmacy
- Private one-to-one consultations
- Personalised quit plans
- Carbon monoxide testing
- Access to suitable stop-smoking treatments
- Regular follow-up support
- Practical advice to manage cravings
- Help preventing relapse
How do I join the service?
Speak to a member of the Procters Pharmacy team or book an appointment with a participating branch. We will explain how the service works and check whether you are eligible.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-in support is available at all Procters Pharmacy locations. Feel free to give us a call and our team can let you know when is best to visit.
How much does the service cost?
The NHS Stop Smoking Service may be free for eligible patients. Depending on the local service and treatment supplied, standard NHS prescription charges may apply unless you are exempt. The Procters Pharmacy team can explain any costs before you begin.
Is the service confidential?
Yes. Your consultations will be handled privately and your information will be treated confidentially.
What if I smoke again?
A lapse does not mean the whole attempt has failed. Contact the Procters Pharmacy team and we will help you review what happened, adjust your plan and continue.
What if I have tried to quit before?
Previous quit attempts can be useful. They help us understand what worked, what did not and how we can make your next attempt more manageable.
What is a carbon monoxide breath test?
It is a simple test that measures carbon monoxide in your breath. You breathe into a small monitor, and the result helps show how smoking is affecting your body. It can also be used during follow-up appointments to track your progress.
Will I receive stop-smoking treatment?
Suitable treatment may be offered as part of your quit plan. The option recommended will depend on your smoking habits, medical history and personal preferences.
Start your quitting journey today
You do not have to stop smoking alone. Visit a Procters Pharmacy and let our trained team help you build a practical quit plan, manage cravings and stay supported throughout the process.