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Smoking Cessation Service Best in Wales – and the UK

smoking cessation team photo

11 November 2025

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Smoking and Wellbeing Team are proud to announce that they have delivered the most successful smoking cessation service in Wales, over the past year, helping thousands to quit smoking for good.

In 2023-24 Hywel Dda UHB treated 8.9 per cent of its region's smokers, almost double the national average in Wales (5 per cent) and more than triple the rate in England (2.6 per cent).

The UK already offers the most comprehensive support for smokers worldwide, and Hywel Dda’s performance places them at the forefront of global smoking cessation efforts, setting a new benchmark for excellence.

These results and their work continues to raise awareness around the ill health conditions caused by smoking, including lung and mouth cancer.

Service user Shannon Flannagan said: 

'Honestly, the service provided by the Stop Smoking Team was amazing! I never realised how simple it was to access these services and to get the support that is tailored to you!

“You can tell the support is genuine and they really want you to achieve your goals and everything is done at your pace. I’ve always struggled with quitting and would end up going back to it after a while but I’ve managed to finally quit and resist the temptations! Thanks so much!”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said:

“These figures are more than statistics, they represent thousands of lives changed for the better. We are incredibly proud of our team and the communities we serve.

“Smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable illness and death. Smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK with more than 60 per cent of lung cancers caused by smoking. Research also suggests that around 17 per cent of mouth cancers in the UK are caused by smoking.”

Hywel Dda UHB’s Smoking and Wellbeing Team offers:

  • Sessions with trained advisors
  • A structured programme tailored to your needs
  • Access to stop smoking medication
  • Free nicotine replacement therapy

All services are free and available across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire.

For more information on how to access the service contact 0300 303 9652, smokers.clinic@wales.nhs.uk or visit Smoking and well-being team - Hywel Dda University Health Board (opens in a new tab).