NHS cigarette squad’ patrols East End hunting for quitters

A CIGARETTE squad’ is patrolling the streets of the East End to persuade smokers to give up. The tobacco control team from NHS Tower Hamlets is touring neighbourhoods offering advice on quitting

By Mike Brooke

A CIGARETTE 'squad' is patrolling the streets of the East End to persuade smokers to give up.

The tobacco control team from NHS Tower Hamlets is touring neighbourhoods offering advice on quitting.

Last day of the 'street patrols is tomorrow (Friday), before they start canvassing at Underground stations, street markets, leisure centres, dental practices, health centres and even the ASDA supermarket on the Isle of Dogs.

Smokers are being referred to special 'quit' sessions being held at centres across the East End.

"Our clinics give pharmaceutical support to help make it easier to quit for good," said the Royal London Hospital's clinic coordinator Ronnie Troughton. "Many people see the New Year as the perfect opportunity to give up smoking."

Extra sessions are planned at Island Health centre in East Ferry Road, Millwall, next Monday (18) 6-7pm, and Thursday 1-2pm, at Poplar's Chrisp Street Medical Centre next Tuesday (19), 6-7pm, at St Stephen's health centre in William Place, off Roman Road, Bow, next Wednesday (20), 6-7pm, and at Whitechapel's Brady Centre in Hanbury Street next Friday (22), 1-2pm.

The sessions follow last year's campaign when 1,500 smokers registered. Wannabe quitters can get help online atNHS Tower Hamlets or call the free helpline on 0800-169 1943.