Minister Visits Paisley Pharmacy to See Quit Smoking Service in Action
Published: 31/07/25
Image courtesy of Christine Lavelle
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto visited Abbey Chemist in Paisley this week to see first-hand the vital role community pharmacies play in helping people quit smoking through the NHS Quit Your Way service.
During the visit, Ms Minto met with pharmacy staff and heard directly from service users, including Frances, who is receiving support to quit smoking after a recent heart attack. Frances spoke openly about her experience, describing the service as a “kick up the bum” that has helped her begin her journey to better health.
Also in attendance was Matt Barclay, our Chief Executive, who joined NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Vice Chair David Gould and Deputy Director of Pharmacy Jane Hall in highlighting the importance of pharmacy-led public health services. Matt’s presence reinforced the value of local community pharmacy teams in delivering trusted, accessible care to communities across Scotland. He spoke about the significant contribution pharmacies make to smoking cessation efforts, with 60% of all quit attempts in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area now initiated in pharmacy settings. Over 5,000 of the 8,044 supported quit attempts in the last year were made by people living in the most deprived areas.
The Quit Your Way programme offers a structured, free 12-week support plan, tailored to each person’s needs and delivered through their local community pharmacy. It includes weekly consultations, behavioural support, and access to treatments such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Varenicline.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto visited Abbey Chemist in Paisley this week to see first-hand the vital role community pharmacies play in helping people quit smoking through the NHS Quit Your Way service.