RCN calls on government to increase investment in anti-smoking measures
Published: 06 October 2008
A failure to increase investment in anti-smoking measures will further entrench health inequalities across the UK, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Today, the RCN threw its’ weight behind ASH’s latest report and recommendations in the fight against tobacco use.
In welcoming the Beyond Smoking Kills: Protecting Children, Reducing Inequalities report, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today said:
“This report marks the 10th anniversary of the white paper, Smoking Kills, and highlights the many inroads made in the reduction of tobacco use in the UK and strong public support to introduce interventions to support people in their attempts to kick the habit.
“However, the NHS does not have the required support to address the growing concerns of the uptake of smoking in deprived communities and the barriers many face in giving up their addiction.
“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.
“Nurses working in the primary care sector already play an influential role in helping people to give up smoking. There needs to be more resources in providing nurses with the skills and knowledge to deliver expert advice and appropriate treatment.
“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.”
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Notes for Editors
The Royal College of Nursing is among many national organisations to have fully endorsed the Beyond Smoking Kills: Protecting Children, Reducing Inequalities report, published by the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), and funded by the Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.
The release of the Beyond Smoking Kills: Protecting Children, Reducing Inequalities report follows the recent commencement of a Government-led campaign to include images on cigarette packs to warn against the dangers of smoking.
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.