At risk? Tobacco dependence treatment in the NHS. Findings from a survey of Integrated Care Boards in England

This report presents the findings from the third annual survey of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) conducted by Action on Smoking and Health and Cancer Research UK. The primary focus of the survey was the implementation of the tobacco dependence treatment services specified in the NHS Long Term Plan.

Key findings:

• Most NHS trusts reported full implementation of tobacco dependence treatment services:
  • 80% in secondary care
  • 71% in mental health
  • 91% in maternity care
• However, across three ICBs (9%), services have been decommissioned in 6 acute and 2 mental health trusts.
• In 50% of ICBs, services had expanded beyond the 2019 Long Term Plan commitments to areas including A&E, outpatients, pre-op and paediatrics.
• Community provision (mainly via mental health trusts) existed in 21% of ICBs.
• Financial insecurity or other funding issues was reported as a barrier in 83% of ICBs.

Recommendations:

1. Protect funding for Tobacco Dependence Treatment Services
2. Hold ICBs to account for implementation and maintenance
3. Support expansion beyond core services
4. Build local commissioning capacity on prevention

To support local engagement, ASH has also developed:

• A slide deck to support Directors of Public Health to engage ICBs on tobacco control.
• A clinical leads briefing making the case for NHS organisations to appoint a clinical lead for tobacco dependence.