Smokers have been urged to give up the habit by a local councillor.
Waterside Sinn Féin Councillor Bridget Meehan was speaking after attending the Pink Ladies No Smoking awareness programme held at Hillcrest House this week.
She said: “I would encourage all current smokers to take the opportunity to quit smoking.”
Cllr Meehan said it had been “proven medically” that quitting cigarettes could help contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
She added: “We now have the lowest number of people smoking for many years and this will benefit everyone as the financial burden of treating smoking related illnesses was one of the highest burdens upon the NHS.
“As this burden is lessened we will be able to see these monies put into treating other illnesses and providing services.
“Much more help for people attempting to give up smoking is now available with over 300 community pharmacies across the North now providing a smoking cessation service and this is an opportunity for people who still indulge in smoking to attempt to quit.”
She concluded: “I would encourage people in Derry to contact their local pharmacy or doctor to avail of this service.”
Tags: