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LEGAL CASE HIGHLIGHTS LETHAL EFFECTS OF SMOKING
Dr Eric Baijal, the Director of Public Health for NHS Highland, is disappointed that the widow, whose husband died of lung cancer, has lost her landmark court battle against the cigarette giant Imperial Tobacco.  He thinks it is interesting that it comes on World No Tobacco Day but hopes that it will wake people up to the fact that smoking kills you.

Dr Baijal said, "Smoking is far more than just unpleasant. It is time people woke up to the facts - about 500 Highlanders die early every year from smoking. In the US, Big Tobacco have all but admitted the effects of smoking, but quibble over the detail and who is responsible."

"All credit to ASH Scotland, Mrs McTear and her Legal Team who have followed this case through at great cost to themselves."

"It is really time to stop pussy-footing about.  It is very simple - if you smoke you'll shorten your own life. The same will happen if you inhale the smoke of others."

"If you smoke, give it up. You don't have to do it on your own. If you need help, the NHS can provide it. Just call 0845 757 8077."

The judgement in the first civil damages claim against a tobacco company (Mrs McTear v Imperial Tobacco) was announced today. Mr McTear began smoking in 1964 and died of lung cancer in 1993. Before he died, he raised a damages claim against Imperial Tobacco. Mrs McTear has pursued his claim doggedly with support from ASH Scotland.

What the NHS Highland is doing:
1. Help to stop starting.
A joint initiative with Highland Council, the 'STYNX' project helps and supports secondary schools across Highland to set up peer groups to support young people to stop smoking. Pupils who have been involved with the project are now taking the no smoking message to their feeder primary's through presentations art and even drama productions. As part of this project, a touring theatre company will perform a play called 'Whatever', written specifically to deliver the don't start smoking message.

2. Help to start stopping - lots of support.
NHS Highland smoking cessation service offers one to one and group advice and support to stop smoking. Smoking cessation advisors are based in Wick, Dingwall, Fort William and Inverness, but also
provide services to other locations across Highland.

Community pharmacists across Highland have been specially trained to help smokers who want to quit. Some pharmacy's are able to offer one to one counselling and Nicotine Replacement Therapy

The Spectrum Centre in Inverness hosts a drop in stop smoking service. A trained advisor is on hand every Thursday evening from 6.16 to 8.45 pm to provide advice and support to those who want to quit. No need to make an appointment, just turn up.

Some GP practices have specially trained staff to support smokers to quit. Ask at your GP practice about whether they are able to offer you support or refer you to the nearest smoking cessation advisor.

For information on your nearest stop smoking service call 0845 757 8077.

3. Looking forward to clean air in public places.
NHS Highland have initiated a sustained campaign of information about the risks of passive smoking and the help that is available locally for those smokers who want to quit. Over the coming weeks and months a variety of events will take place to raise awareness of this important public health issue, with stands at local fairs and shows, information in the press and events in hospitals and local communities.