PHE advice updated in August 2017 says health professionals should:1

·      understand the risks associated with smoking during pregnancy and be aware of key NICE recommendations including carbon monoxide monitoring and referral for stop smoking support;

·      read and use the NCSCT's 'Very Brief Advice for Smoking in Pregnancy' briefing for midwifery staff;

·      promote smoke-free messaging, by having campaign materials available and on display;

·      raise awareness of the dangers associated with second-hand smoke, for pregnant women, babies and children;

·      provide stop smoking interventions which take a women-centred approach.

Other target groups known to experience a high smoking prevalence include:2

·      routine and manual workers

·      people with mental health disorders

·      prisoners

·      LGBT communities

·      certain black and minority ethnic groups.

PHE's expectation is that: €A stop smoking programme will take place over a minimum of 6 weeks, but could last up to 12 weeks or more, and will be available in a range of different settings throughout the local community.€2

NICE has published eight public health guidelines relating to smoking, as well as two quality standards, and a 'Tobacco return on investment tool' to help decision making in tobacco control at local and sub-national levels. Its local government briefing (Tobacco LGB24) summarising NICE's recommendations for local authorities and partner organisations on tobacco, is aimed at health and wellbeing boards.2