Approximately 11.1% of adults in Gateshead continue to smoke, equating to around 22,251 individuals. This disparity in smoking rates contributes to health inequalities.
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00:00Gateshead Council's Stop Smoking Services have been lauded as life-changing for residents
00:05offering vital support to those looking to quit smoking. Despite a decline in smoking
00:10rates, smoking remains a significant health issue in the borough, leading to more than
00:152,700 hospital admissions, nearly 95,000 GP appointments and over 52,000 GP prescriptions
00:23annually. Approximately 11.1% of adults in Gateshead continue to smoke, equating to around
00:3022,251 individuals. This disparity in smoking rates contributes to health inequalities, disproportionately
00:40affecting the most vulnerable populations. Gemma King, who leads the Council Stop Smoking
00:45System, highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues. She noted that if current trends
00:51persist, the target of reducing smoking prevalence to 5% by 2030 may not be achieved until 2039,
00:59and in the most deprived areas, not until 2050. To meet these ambitious goals, the Council
01:05is implementing new strategies to enhance service delivery and accessibility. The updated approach
01:12includes a comprehensive communications programme to promote quitting digital support accessible
01:18at all times, and targeted interventions prioritising higher risk groups. These initiatives aim to
01:25normalise quitting and provide more flexible support options for smokers.
01:30Councillor Bernadette Ophalan praised the smoking service sharing a personal testimony of her
01:35brother's successful journey to quit smoking. Such success stories underscore the profound impact
01:41of the programme on individuals and their families.