Smoking cessation (Guidelines)

What's new / Latest updates

09/02/2026 V3.1

Community pharmacy link updated
PGD information updated as there is now a National Patient Group Direction (PGD) for Varenicline: https://www.communitypharmacy.scot.nhs.uk/nhs-highland/pages/pgds/varenicline-v1/

December 2024:

Varenicine is now available and has been added to the Highland Formulary
Smoking Cessation Service information for patients and clincians has been updated.

Audience

All NHS Highland
Primary and Secondary Care
Adults and Children (12 years and over)

All smokers should be offered support to stop smoking at every opportunity.

Anyone wanting support to stop using a vape or anyone stopping smoking using a vape should be referred to the Smoke-Free Highland Service.

The Smoke-free Highland Service offers support to all those who want to stop smoking. Many people can quit on their own but there is much evidence to show that quitting with the support of the Smoke-Free Highland Service is three times more successful and that you are likely to stay smoke-free.

Management

Smokers who present to Health Care Professionals should be given brief advice on stopping smoking and asked if they are interested in stopping smoking.

If YES: the smoker should be referred.
If NO: accept answer non judgementally and leave offer of help open.

Patients can access smoking cessation via:

Community pharmacy directly

Patients are invited to join the Smoking Cessation Scheme and given a Smoking Cessation Support Pack.
Pharmacist provides all advice and any nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) required.
See: https://www.communitypharmacy.scot.nhs.uk/nhs-highland/pages/pharmacy-services/core-services/public-health/smoking-cessation/

Smoking Cessation Service Advisor; shared care with community pharmacy:

Smoking Cessation Service provides behavioural support
Makes recommendation to community pharmacy (via email supply form) for supply of smoking cessation products.
Where appropriate, eg dispensing GP practice, makes recommendation to GP to prescribe smoking cessation products.

GP:

If patient presents to GPs directly, please refer to Smoking Cessation Service.
Smoking cessation products can be prescribed by primary care and dispensed as appropriate.

Referral

Referral should be made via Contact Us | Smoke Free Highland (scot.nhs.uk)

Product choice:

See: Nicotine dependence (Formulary)

Note: There is now a National Patient Group Direction (PGD) for Varenicline see: https://www.communitypharmacy.scot.nhs.uk/nhs-highland/pages/pgds/varenicline-v1/

Patient information

Smoke Free Highland | For a smoke free life (scot.nhs.uk)

Last reviewed: 05/12/2024

Next review date: 31/12/2027

Author(s): Public Health.

Version: 3

Approved By: TAM subgroup of the ADTC

Reviewer name(s): S Birse, Health Improvement Principal.

Document Id: TAM260