270 Die from Smoking in Islington

1.27.02pm GMT Thu 10th Mar 2005

Islington has the second highest proportion of deaths caused by smoking in London. An average of 270 people die from smoking in Islington every year, and 1360 people went to hospital for smoking related illness.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Meral Ece, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Services said

"Islington has the third highest number of smokers in London, and the second highest number of deaths caused by smoking. To help people quit smoking the PCT is offering support to residents. Residents will be able to get advice, go to drop in centres, sign up for courses and get one to one help with quitting.

"Every year 69% of smokers would like to quit but only 2% manage without help, smokers who attend a specialist stop smoking service, are 10 times more likely to succeed in quitting, than those who use alternative methods. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to access the help they need to quit smoking."

'The Smoking Epidemic in England' - identified Islington as having the 3rd highest rate of smoking prevalence in Greater London – 39% (over a third) of people smoke (46% of men and 32% of women).