Services Database Stop Smoking Service

One to one support is provided to clients who wish to give up smoking. An initial consultation is held, which will normally last around 30 minutes. If considered appropriate for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), the client will be supplied with NRT and counselled on its use. If the client is considered appropriate for varenicline or bupropion the client is issued with a referral request letter to take to their GP. Follow up consultations (these can take place on the telephone) should be made and a further supply of NRT made if appropriate. Following the initial consultation, up to six follow up consultations may be undertaken depending on the needs of the client.

All pharmacists, technicians and pharmacy staff providing the service must have attended a local training meeting prior to commencing the service, and participated in observed role play. Anyone who attends such a meeting and passes the training assessment can provide the Stop Smoking service as an intermediate level advisor. In addition, all pharmacists and registered technicians providing the service must have read:

• "Helping smokers to stop: advice for pharmacists in England";
• "Brief interventions and referral for smoking cessation in primary care and other settings" (Public Health Intervention Guidance No 1); and
• any other relevant national or local guidelines, as and when notified.

In addition, all staff providing the service must complete the NHS Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) Stafe 1 Training and Assessment programme (knowledge).