Blood test bid to stop smoking

1:09pm Friday 5th March 2004

HEALTH staff are testing levels of carbon monoxide in a bid to stop people smoking.

No Smoking Day today will see Lewisham Primary Care Trust (PCT) employees host an information stand at the Savacentre, in Bell Green, Sydenham.

Staff will test levels of carbon monoxide in the blood stream and offer information about stop smoking services.

Another information stand will be in Boots at Lewisham Shopping Centre where pharmacy staff will also be testing carbon monoxide levels.

The PCT says studies reveal around 40 per cent of people in Lewisham smoke.

Chris Watts, director of health at the PCT, said: "Every year thousands of people give up smoking and we hope that No Smoking Day will help encourage people to make this their day to quit for good."