The investigation highlighted the significant health impact of smoking in Wales and emphasised the stark inequalities in communities. The rate of deaths attributable to smoking is three times higher in the most deprived communities compared to the least deprived.
In addition to being the leading cause of preventable illness and death, the analysis also showed that, on average, over 17,000 hospital admissions each year in Wales were attributable to smoking, putting significant pressure on the healthcare system.
The rate of hospital admissions attributable to smoking was twice as high for residents of the most deprived communities compared to those in the least deprived.
Chris Emmerson, consultant in public health at Public Health Wales, said, “These statistics are a stark reminder of the devastating impact that smoking continues to have on the health of the Welsh population, particularly in our most deprived communities.
“Despite the real progress we have made reducing the numbers taking up smoking and supporting smokers to quit, it’s clear that we need to make every effort to tackle smoking if we are to address these huge health and financial costs for the people of Wales.”
Public Health Wales welcomed the announcement in the king’s speech that the ‘Tobacco and Vapes Bill’, introduced by the previous UK government, will return to parliament. Public Health Wales encouraged the provisions of the previous bill, including a ban on the sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009. The organisation has said it is an important step in reducing the harms of smoking on the Welsh population.
Chris added, “This analysis has highlighted the benefits that ambitious policies could deliver to prevent young people from starting to smoke.
“Help Me Quit, our national NHS smoking cessation service helped over 16,000 people in 2023 and is ready to provide free, friendly and effective support to every single smoker who is ready to quit.”