CCA MAXIMISING COMMUNITY PHARMACY’S CONTRIBUTION TO SMOKE FREE AMBITIONS IN ENGLAND
02 November 2026
APTUK welcomes report highlighting the role of pharmacy technicians in achieving England's smokefree ambitions
The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) welcomes the publication of the Company Chemists' Association (CCA) report, Maximising Community Pharmacy's Contribution to Smokefree Ambitions in England, which highlights the vital role that community pharmacy can play in helping England achieve its smokefree ambitions by 2030.
APTUK was pleased to contribute to the cross-sector working group that informed the report, with APTUK representatives acknowledged among those supporting its development.
The report outlines how community pharmacy can make a greater contribution to smoking cessation through nationally consistent commissioning, improved access to services, and stronger integration with wider healthcare pathways. It also recognises the importance of utilising the skills of the whole pharmacy team
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death in England, and pharmacy teams have a unique opportunity to support prevention, early intervention and behaviour change within local communities. The report highlights that community pharmacies are often located in areas of greatest need and are well placed to help address health inequalities through accessible smoking cessation support.
APTUK believes pharmacy technicians have a significant contribution to make across the smoking cessation pathway, including patient engagement, medicines optimisation, health promotion, behavioural support and ongoing patient care. As clinical services continue to develop, it is important that the skills and expertise of pharmacy technicians are fully recognised and utilised.
APTUK supports initiatives that empower the whole pharmacy team to work at the top of their scope of practice and welcomes continued discussion on how community pharmacy can contribute to a healthier and smokefree future.
Read the full CCA report: https://thecca.org.uk/resource/maximising-community-pharmacys-contribution-to-smokefree-ambitions-in-england/