A clinic to help patients give up smoking is operating at the Nicosia general hospital, constituting a practical and effective means of support for those wishing to kick the habit, state health services organisation (Okypy) said on Friday.

In a statement to mark World No Tobacco Day, celebrated on May 31, Okypy said the clinic runs a specialised support programme, with group sessions of up to five people at a time, in the presence of a pulmonologist and a clinical psychologist.

The programme, Okypy said, serves as a point of reference for patients, who can rejoin if necessary.

The treatment process includes information about the effects of smoking, understanding addiction and the mechanisms that maintain it, strengthening internal motivation and support in decision-making, setting a quit date, a personalised support plan with the possibility of medication, as well as managing difficulties and avoiding a relapse.

The programme usually lasts up to ten weeks and sessions are initially held on a weekly basis, gradually reducing their frequency. Follow up sessions are held for at least three months after quitting.

The clinic is aimed at patients with illnesses that require they stop smoking in order to improve their health.

The service operates within the framework of the pulmonology clinic, which is “a unique point of reference in Cyprus for the management of serious respiratory diseases”, Okypy said.

Appointments can be made by calling 22603517 or 22603917.

More information about the clinic can be found here.