EVERYONE LOVES A QUITTER

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd Jun 2007

A recent health profile of Southampton released by the Department of Health has highlighted the city's smoking problem. The number of adults who smoke in Southampton is one of the highest in the country with almost one in three. This is significantly higher than both the national and regionally average.

This is reflected in a much higher rate of deaths caused by smoking. Smoking in Southampton is estimated to account for over 370 deaths each year, compared with the national average of 234.

Local MP Sandra Gidley said

"These are obviously very worrying figures. With the smoking ban coming into force on 1st July it is clear that Southampton has a major problem.

"It is clear that action needs to be taken to address the problem or Southampton risks growing ill-health and overburdening the health service. More should be done to inform residents of the services at their disposal, and I hope that the hospital trust will ensure that more services reach people in this area

"Smoking rates have remained at a similar level over a decade. The enthusiasm of a New Year's resolution often fades quickly and the Government's stop smoking target allows someone to quit and be counted in the figures more than once in a year.

"The smoking ban is a step in the right direction but there is a need for a sustained programme that offers support and follow up.

"Smoking is Britain's biggest killer and the price of dithering and complacency will be more deaths."