Changes to Stop Smoking Support in West Sussex

 

West Sussex County Council has announced changes to the way local stop smoking services are commissioned. The current GP and pharmacy‑based stop smoking service will end after 31 March 2026.

You can continue to start a supported quit attempt with us up to and including 31 March 2026. Any quit attempt started before this date will continue to be supported in the usual way, even if it runs into June or July 2026.

From 1 April 2026, GP practices and pharmacies will no longer be able to provide new stop smoking support under the existing contract.

Prescribing:

If you are currently prescribed Varenicline (previously called Champix) or Nicotine products like patches/ gums, these will need to be prescribed by the commissioned smoking cessation service and practice will unfortunately not be able to support these prescriptions following changes in Sussex Formulary. 

A full range of help will still be available through Smokefree West Sussex Services, including:

  • Quit 4 Wellbeing – specialist stop‑smoking clinics in community settings
  • West Sussex Wellbeing Hubs
  • The Smokefree App

How to Access Support

Weassure you that support remains available locally to help you stop smoking when the time is right for you.

Published: Feb 6, 2026