“All commissioned services allow for the provision of a structured
evidence based four week quit attempt as part of the 12-week
treatment programme that includes setting a quit date and
support for behavioural change in conjunction with an electronic
cigarette. E-cigarettes are not currently available on prescription
but can be purchased by the client to support their quit attempt.”
Two years ago, British American Tobacco’s e-Voke device received
approval to be prescribed on the NHS. Unfortunately, production
costs and a shift in the market led BAT to scrap the product.
David O’Reilly, group scientific director at BAT, said: “We were
never really interested in prescription products. At that time, the
medicinal route was the only route to market, but smokers do not
see themselves as patients.”
Being able to offer free or low-cost e-cigarettes to the homeless
community does pose a significant opportunity for public health.
Linda Bauld, a professor of health policy at Stirling University,
said: “I am disappointed not to see at least one type of electronic
cigarette available on the NHS to help people quit smoking and
which is significantly safer than cigarettes, available for a small
prescription charge.”
Until then, the UK’s growing homeless population will have to rely
on traditional NRT if they have any chance of quitting cigarettes
for good. But maybe if Canada’s study proves that e-cigarettes are
an effective tool in helping homeless people quit, our government
will see that investment in the short-term can improve lives and
reduce the burden on the NHS in years to come.
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