01-08-2025
Grandmother quits smoking through community pharmacy scheme
Frances Robertson, 66, from Paisley, is using the nationally funded Quit Your Way service after being referred during her recovery from a heart attack.
She shared her experience during a visit by Scotland's public health minister, Jenni Minto, to Abbey Chemist in Paisley, where she is receiving support through the scheme.
Ms Robertson said: "I've spent my whole life on and off cigarettes but now this is my chance to get healthy.
"I've had the kick up the bum I need and stopping smoking is one of the lifestyle changes I'm making.
"When I had the heart attack I was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital emergency department.
"It was the hospital that put me on to the Quit Your Way service, and told me I could go into any community pharmacy and they'd help me continue it once I was discharged.
"I'm feeling great now, and the staff in the pharmacy have been really supportive."
Abbey Chemist staff meet Jenni Minto (Image: Supplied) The Quit Your Way service, delivered through community pharmacies, offers a structured 12-week programme.
It begins with an initial consultation to explore the individual's reasons for quitting, followed by weekly check-ins, progress monitoring, and ongoing support.
Nicotine replacement therapy is provided, along with the option of Varenicline, a medicine that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Abbey Chemist has supported 20 people through the programme so far this year.
Public health minister Jenni Minto visited the pharmacy to meet with staff and service users, including Ms Robertson.
Outside Abbey Chemist in Paisley, where they have supported 20 people through the Quit Your Way programme this year (Image: Supplied) Ms Minto said: "It was great to see the community pharmacy smoking cessation service in action this week – and congratulations to Frances on starting her quit journey.
"The free Quit Your Way service supports our goal to eradicate tobacco by 2034 and I would encourage anyone, no matter how long they have smoked, to access this service to quit smoking."
During her visit, Ms Minto met with pharmacy staff, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde vice chair David Gould, deputy director of pharmacy Jane Hall, and Matt Barclay, chief executive of Community Pharmacy Scotland.
The visit highlighted the role of community pharmacies in providing accessible, local support to reduce smoking-related harm.
Smoking is linked to nearly 9,000 deaths in Scotland each year.
Across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, 60 per cent of all recorded quit attempts are made through community pharmacies.
A total of 8,044 quit attempts were supported between April 2024 and March 2025.
Of these, 5,058 were from people living in the 40 per cent most deprived areas, demonstrating the reach and equity of the service.
Community pharmacies are a key part of the wider healthcare system.
They offer advice and support on a range of health issues without the need for a GP appointment or a visit to A&E.
This includes the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, which provides treatment for minor ailments such as coughs, colds, earache, and heartburn.
The service is walk-in, with no appointment required.
Mr Gould said: "Pharmacies are at the heart of our communities and play a crucial role in supporting people to lead healthier lives.
"The Quit Your Way programme is a shining example of how local pharmacy services can make a real impact.
"It was fantastic to meet Ms Minto and the staff of the Abbey Chemist in Paisley to hear more about how the service is making a difference."
