This report sets out the findings from a short survey of ICBs, an analysis of their Joint Forward Plans, and data on the funding of tobacco dependence treatment services. The ASH report describes the significant progress made since the NHS Long Term Plan introduced tobacco dependence treatment services in hospitals, in maternity services and mental health inpatient settings. However, insufficient funding, uncertainty about future funding, and patchy collaboration with local government are impeding further progress and require attention.
Key findings:
- Only 54% of survey respondents were confident that tobacco treatment services would be fully implemented in mental health services by March 2024, compared to 73% for acute services and 88% for maternity services.
- Uncertainty about future funding is the most cited barrier to progress among those implementing services impacting on workforce recruitment and retention while strong partnerships and close collaboration with local government are key enablers.
- Although the overall spending on tobacco dependence treatment services increased across the three years from 2021/22 to 2023/24 (though not at the level originally projected), spending on mental health services fell between 2022/23 and 2023/24.