In this new series, for both existing and non-members of PCRS, we will be briefly discussing some pertinent respiratory topics

Disposable vapes will be banned in the UK as part of ambitious government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping and protect children’s health, the Prime Minister has announced today (29 January

PCRS believe that it is the responsibility of every healthcare professional to treat tobacco dependency systematically and effectively. PCRS advocate that people wishing to quit using tobacco should be offered the most effective but also the least harmful methods first to support a quit attempt.

This week the BBC reported on the results of laboratory tests conducted on vapes confiscated from a school in Kidderminster.

Vaping can successfully help people address their tobacco dependence and reduce the long-term threats to their health from tobacco use.

There is still no sign of varenicline (Champix), a medication that can reduce nicotine cravings and help people quit smoking, 18 months after its approval was withdrawn in the UK due to concerns about impurities.

This week the Health Minister Neil O’Brien announced the formation of a new “illicit vapes enforcement squad” – led by Trading Standards and backed by £3 million of government funding to tackle rising levels of youth vaping.

Can Only Plan Daily - COPD is a serious disease needing the right diagnosis and treatment with the person’s need sitting front and centre.

This 'Get Winter Wrapped' issue focuses on the twin challenges of winter pressures and coping with COVID-19.  

Supply disruption of varenicline has been on going since October 2021 because of the presence of nitrosamines above acceptable level of daily intake. There is still no certainty when varenicline will return.

Originally presented at the PCRS Respiratory Conference 2020 Dr Nicolas Hopkinson presents on Inhaled Substances: What nicotine use should we be supporting in the COVID 19 era

Alongside BTS, ERS, ATS and many other healthcare groups PCRS has submitted a letter to Vectura Board Members urging them to reject the acquisition offer by tobacco products manufacturer Philip Morris I

While the focus of primary care services is rightly on the delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations it’s important we don’t lose sight of our longer term ambitions for improving the nations lung health.

The start of a new year is an ideal time to support patients to consider small ways to begin working towards a healthy lifestyle.