01
Initial consultation
Free 30-minute appointment to understand your smoking history, set a quit date, and choose a treatment plan that fits your life.
NHS Stop Smoking Service
Quit smoking. We'll help you every step.
Free 12-week NHS support, nicotine replacement therapy, and prescription medicines from a team that's helped thousands of Londoners stop smoking for good.
- Free on NHSCost
- 12 weeksProgramme
- NRT + supportIncludes
What is the Smoking Cessation Service?
Stopping smoking is one of the single most impactful things you can do for your health — and you're three times more likely to succeed with NHS support than going it alone. Qrystal Pharmacy provides the NHS Stop Smoking Service, combining behavioural support from a trained advisor with nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medicines tailored to your needs.
Over a 12-week programme we'll meet weekly (or fortnightly, depending on your preference) to plan your quit, manage cravings, and adapt your treatment as your body adjusts. We use carbon monoxide breath testing to track your progress objectively, and we adjust your nicotine support week by week as you taper down.
All consultations happen in our private consultation room. Most patients use a combination of long-acting (patches) and short-acting (gum, lozenges, inhalator) nicotine replacement, alongside the structured behavioural support that NHS data confirms doubles your chance of staying smoke-free at one year.
Who is the service for?
The NHS Stop Smoking Service is open to anyone living or registered with a GP in England who wants to stop smoking — including vapers wanting to come off vapes.
- Adults aged 12 and over
- Pregnant smokers (we provide tailored, safe support — please tell us at your first visit)
- Smokers and vapers wanting to taper off nicotine completely
- Patients on heart, respiratory, or cancer treatment pathways
Your 12-week quit journey
02
Quit week
On your quit date, you start your nicotine replacement or prescribed medicine. We see you within the first week to check in and adjust if needed.
03
Weekly support (weeks 1-4)
Brief weekly check-ins to manage cravings, monitor your CO levels, and troubleshoot any setbacks. This is when most relapses happen — we're here.
04
Tapering phase (weeks 5-12)
Fortnightly sessions as you reduce nicotine support gradually. Your treatment is stepped down to match how your body is responding.
05
Smoke-free
At the end of 12 weeks, most patients are completely off nicotine. We confirm with a final CO test, and you're welcome back any time if you need a top-up.
What's included
- 12 weeks of structured behavioural support
- Nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, inhalator, and mouth spray on prescription
- Varenicline or bupropion if clinically appropriate
- Weekly carbon-monoxide breath testing to track progress
- Private consultation room — no waiting room awkwardness
- Phone or in-person sessions, your choice
- Free for the duration of your 12-week programme
Stop smoking — frequently asked questions
How much does the service cost?
Nothing. The 12-week NHS Stop Smoking Service is fully funded — including all nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medicines for the duration of the programme.
How effective is it?
NHS data shows you're around three times more likely to quit successfully with structured pharmacist-led support and treatment than with willpower alone. Around half of our patients are smoke-free at 4 weeks, and the majority of those stay smoke-free at one year.
Which is better — patches, gum, or varenicline?
It depends on your smoking pattern, your medical history, and your preferences. Most patients do best with a combination — a patch plus a fast-acting product like gum or spray. We work that out with you at the first consultation.
What if I slip up and have a cigarette?
That's normal and not a failure — it's part of the quit journey for many people. Tell us; we'll work out what triggered it and adjust your support. The patients who quit are the ones who keep going after a slip.
Can I get help if I'm pregnant?
Yes. Stopping smoking during pregnancy is one of the most protective things you can do for your baby. We provide pregnancy-specific support and choose treatments that are safe in pregnancy, in line with NICE guidance.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. Just walk in, call, or book online. We'll register you for the service at your first consultation.
Can I use this service to come off vaping?
Yes. Many of our patients want to stop nicotine completely after switching from cigarettes to vapes. The same NRT and behavioural support framework works.
Is the consultation private?
Yes. Consultations happen in our dedicated private room. Phone consultations are equally confidential.
Other NHS Services
New Medicine Service
Free NHS pharmacist consultations for patients newly prescribed long-term medicines.
Learn morePharmacy First
Same-day NHS treatment for 7 common conditions, including antibiotics where appropriate.
Learn moreElectronic Prescription Service
NHS prescriptions sent electronically — ready for collection or delivery.
Learn moreReady to stop smoking?
Book your free initial consultation today and take the first step toward a smoke-free life.