Smoking Cessation Medication (Quit Ready)

The LMC has recently received queries from several general practices as patients have been directed to them to be prescribed Zyban.

General practices are not commissioned or funded to provide a smoking cessation service, which includes prescribing.

As it is not within the GP contract it may also not be covered by the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice (CNSGP). The responsibility for provision lies with Public Health (and therefore Local Authorities).

Practices should consider declining to prescribe medication to support smoking cessation. This is in line with Collective Action.

The LMC has contacted Quit Ready to advise that is inappropriate for their service to signpost patients to practices for prescriptions.

Last Updated on 15 January 2025