Spontaneous quitters: clarification of the 48-hour rule

This new guidance enables continuity of care for those who have been tobacco-abstinent for up to 14 days prior to presenting at their local stop smoking service, enabling a seamless approach to treatment and building on their success at starting to tackle their dependence on tobacco.

This will maximise the benefits of prompting a quit attempt in both hospitals and prisons and adds flexibility to the community stop smoking offer for individuals most in need of expert support to stop smoking for good.

Endorsed by PHE and approved by NHS Digital, this guidance can first be used for the period 1.4.19 to 30.6.19.