THE number of people using NHS services to quit smoking fell by 8 per cent last year, new figures show.
The decline comes amid a rise in the use of electronic cigarettes and a fall in the number of smokers.
Statistics show that in 2016/17, the number of quit attempts made with the help of NHS smoking cessation services was 59,767, down 8 per cent from 64,838 in 2015/16 and down 51 per cent on 2011/12 figures.
Despite this reduction, the overall number of people smoking continues to fall, statisticians said. They said the reasons for the fall in quit attempts is likely to be the result of a combination of factors, including increasing use of e-cigarettes.
Gregor McNie, of Cancer Research UK, said smoking cessation services were failing to reach enough people.
“It’s crucial that smokers get the best possible help to quit a deadly habit that causes at least 14 different types of cancer,” he said.
“With around 18 per cent of adults in Scotland smoking, helping them to give up is essential to the health of our nation.”
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