The MLHD have recruited local smokers to a program to help them quit the habit.

MLHD Director of Public Health Tracey Oakman said the two-year program is a fantastic opportunity to trial improvements to health service treatments of smokers to support their quit smoking attempts.

"Recruitment of patients to the study began in late December with more than 20 patients signing up for the program to date; Young Health Service staff have embraced the study," she said.

“The study involves trialling an integrated approach to smoking cessation. The patient is encouraged to use Nicotine Replacement Therapy while in the hospital, offered supports through the Quitline, local community pharmacy and their GP.

“We will be following patients recruited to the study over a 12 month period to see if the approach has impacted on their smoking levels."

Nicotine replacement therapy officer Kerryn Bishop said the program is important because it fully informs smokers what they are doing to their bodies by smoking.

"It is important for people to realise the health impacts and the costs smoking has on their lives," she said.

"Our patients may not be thinking about quitting smoking but after we have spoken to them they might start the process of quitting, the program is an opportunity for smokers to start to quit smoking.

"We follow up with our patients at two, six and 12 months so it is an ongoing program that we hope to be able to report has been successful.

“The program does highlight that there are positive changes waiting for you no matter your reasons for quitting.”

Mrs Oakman said the MLHD was very fortunate to get a research grant from the NSW Cancer Institute to run the program.

Members of the community wanting assistance to quit smoking can call the QUIT Line, 137848 or speak to their GP.