Giant inflatable lungs, 12 feet high by 15ft wide, appeared in the atrium of Forth Valley Royal Hospital this week to highlight the re-launch of the NHS Forth Valley Stop Smoking Service.

The department, which is now fully incorporated within health promotion, will target smokers in hard-to-reach areas such as those with mental health issues, pregnant women, the homeless and people within the criminal justice system. The ‘Mega Lungs’  are designed to draw attention to the perils of smoking, such as lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis, and visitors can step inside the model to observe examples of lung trauma and disease and view displays explaining some of the latest respiratory medical treatments.

NHS Forth Valley Stop Smoking Co-ordinator Gillian Bruce said:  “Traditionally stop smoking services have helped smokers who have been motivated and keen to stop. Now we need to target the most dependent smokers who, in the majority, fall into groups which are difficult to access. For 2014/15 we have a challenging Government target; we have to achieve 607 quits at three months from the 40% most deprived areas of Forth Valley.”

The re-launched stop smoking service has a number of new staff and it is hoped that by continuing to provide community clinics in less affluent areas, and working in partnership with organisations who support these client groups, considerable progress can be made towards achieving the target.

Staff will also actively promote the Scottish Government smokefree campaign and help support patients within the mental health unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital which is also now smoke free.  In addition, posters and information about the Forth Valley Stop Smoking Guidance have been sent to GP practices highlighting types of treatment products and referral routes to both community pharmacy services and specialist stop smoking services.

Patients looking to find their nearest service can contact Smokeline free on 0800 848484 or visit our Local Service Finder or drop into their community pharmacist for FREE stop smoking treatment and support.