Increase investment in anti-smoking measures says RCN

Published: 07 October 2008

The RCN has urged the Government to investment in anti-smoking measures to ensure that health inequalities across the UK do not become further entrenched. The College’s comments came as they joined a number of national organisations in welcoming ASH’s latest report and recommendations in the fight against tobacco use.

The RCN said that the report highlights the inroads made in the reduction of tobacco use in the UK and strong public support to introduce interventions to support people in their attempts stop smoking. However, the union warned that more needed to be done as the NHS does not currently have the required support to address the uptake of smoking in deprived communities.

The RCN acknowledged the influential role nurses in primary care already play in helping people to give up smoking but said that more resources were required to provide nurses with the skills and knowledge to deliver expert advice and appropriate treatment.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:

“Although the Government’s efforts are commendable, more needs to be done if we are to change the attitudes of the millions of people, particularly children and young people, who continue to smoke despite the serious health risks.

The RCN is calling on the Government to fill these gaps within the sector, including the creation of national training standards for healthcare workers, delivery of skills training for nurses, and targeted public awareness campaigns in deprived communities across the UK.”

The publication of the ASH report follows the recent commencement of a Government-led campaign to include images on cigarette packs to warn against the dangers of smoking.