Smoking ban is saving lives

THE ban on smoking in public places is helping to save lives in Warrington according to local officers.
Throughout the country heart attack rates fell by 10 per cent last year following the introduction of the smoking ban in public places in July 2007, according to a Department of Health report.
The report shows that smoke-free public places and workplaces have had a bigger impact on preventing heart attacks than was ever expected.
Pete Astley, borough council head of public protection, said: “Since the smoke free law came into force over two years ago, environmental health officers in Warrington have carried out over 1,800 inspections of workplaces and public places across the borough.
“The compliance rates for not smoking in a smoke free place remains consistently high at 96 per cent. These studies show that smoke free laws are really making a difference and saving a significant number of lives.”
Latest figures show at least 70,000 lives have been saved by NHS stop smoking services in the 10 years since they were established in England.
Brigid Middlehurst, stop smoking co-ordinator for NHS Warrington, said: “There has been a significant rise in the number of people using our stop smoking services.
“Last year 781 people became smoke free with our help. Stopping smoking is the single most important thing that you can do to improve your health and you are four times more likely to quit for good if you use the professional stop smoking service which we provide.”
Anyone who wants help with stopping smoking can contact the service on 01925 843713.