Smoking is a major public health problem in New Zealand. It accounts for around 5,000 deaths per year. Pacific people and Maori have the highest rates of smoking in New Zealand. Mortality rates for Pacific people from smoking-related diseases are also very high. Based on a Ministry of Health stock take of Pacific health needs this population experience barriers to accessing health services (Pacific Health Chart 2004).
The Ministry of Health has identified Pacific people as a priority group for cessation services along with Maori and pregnant women (New Zealand Smoking Cessation Guideline 2007).
The Pacific Quit Smoking Service (PQSS), a collaborative project of Auckland and Waitemata District Health Boards offers free quit support for Pacific smokers in their respective areas, who are eligible to access publicly-funded health services in New Zealand.
PQSS provides an 8 weeks to 3 months quit support programme that includes free nicotine replacement therapy (which is provided directly to the client), and behaviour support via face-to-face, phone/or text counselling. Print materials are available in English and the main Pacific languages. Smoking abstinence is assessed at the client's 4 week and 3 months follow up.
The quit service is staffed by Pacific people who are fluent in English and a Pacific language and are trained cessation practitioners.
For more information about the service, contact Iutita Rush telephone 09 623 4600, extension 27718 or 0800 867 848, or email pacificquit@adhb.govt.nz
To make a referral please click here for the referral form, and fax the completed form to 09 623 4665.
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