The BBC report:
Children as young as 12 should receive nicotine patches if they have a serious smoking problem, the official NHS advisory body in England says.The recommendation comes in a set of guidelines by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).
These are intended to advise health authorities on helping people give up smoking.
Children have been offered patches in trials, but this is the first time it has become official English policy.
I the report is referring to this guidance – Brief interventions and referral for smoking cessation in primary care and other settings – the press release, which accompanies it says:
Young people aged 12-17 should be offered information, advice and support on how to stop smoking. NRT may be used for young people over 12 years who show clear evidence of nicotine dependence and as part of a supervised regime.
It builds on earlier advice which says:
It is recommended that people who are under the age of 18 years, pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have unstable heart conditions, should discuss the use of NRT with a doctor or nurse before starting treatment.
Filed under: NICE, tobacco , Brief interventions and referral for smoking cessation, NICE
