Buckinghamshire NHS Smokefree Support Service

Buckinghamshire NHS Smokefree Support Service (BSSS) is a free NHS service which provides advice, information and support for people to stop smoking.

You are up to four times more likely to stop smoking with support from an NHS stop smoking adviser combined with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Champix or Zyban.

The service offers:

• Confidential one to one support for a minimum of six weeks. Available at pharmacies, GP surgeries, hospitals, leisure/fitness centres and other community locations
• Support in working with employers, and offers onsite free workplace groups
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (such as patches, gum) available at prescription cost or free if you are exempt
• Expertise to support smokers through the process of quitting with experienced, friendly and committed NHS stop smoking advisers
• Telephone support or SMS text if you prefer

Specialist services include:

Smoking in pregnancy
Babies of mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have low birth weight, breathing problems and a higher risk of cot death. Stillbirth is more likely in women who smoke.

There is a greater chance of your baby being born prematurely, the risks of miscarriage and bleeding are increased, and children of smokers have more chance of chest infections, coughs, wheezing, bronchitis and pneumonia.

In addition, asthma and symptoms of asthma are more common. It is also a major cause of ear, nose and throat infections and a third of glue ear cases are caused by passive smoking.

The service offers specialist confidential support for pregnant women and their families.

Workplace groups
To ensure the BSSS service is accessible to as many people as possible, we run regular support groups in a work setting, these groups are for a minimum of six weeks.  Workplace groups work well, as colleagues can support each other during the working day.

If you would like us to come to your workplace to run a group you can contact us on our service number below.

Routine and manual groups
We have designed specialist support programmes for more complex or dependent smokers, and smokers who have tried without success to stop smoking before.  We can increase the number of support sessions according to your needs and focus on your issues around stopping smoking.

To be as flexible as possible we can offer support between the hours of 9am and 8pm five days a week and between 9am and 12 noon on Saturdays.

Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT)
NRT has been shown to double your chances of stopping smoking. It is not a magic cure. NRT does not completely replace the amount of nicotine you would receive when you smoke, but gives you a reduced amount. This means you might still experience withdrawal symptoms but these will be less than if you quit 'cold turkey' (without any product or aid). NRT and support from the BSSS service means you are four times more likely to quit. The service has an average success rate of 60% at four week follow up.

Products available at prescription cost are patches, chewing gum, nasal spray, microtab, inhalator and lozenges. NRT does not suit everyone, it is always advisable to speak to a pharmacist, specialist adviser or your GP if you have any concerns about using NRT.

Zyban (Bupropion) and Champix (Varenicline)  
Zyban is only available on prescription and only suitable for a limited number of people. There are a number of side effects which your GP should explain to you.

Champix is only available on prescription, however there are a few side effects to this product

You can contact the BSSS service directly by telephoning 0845 2707 222, visitng their website, or calling in to your local pharmacy or GP practice.

The service has over 90 clinics in Buckinghamshire (excluding Milton Keynes) and is open between 9am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 12 noon on Saturdays. .