Doctors offer smokers cash to quit

GPs will pay successful quitters out of their own pockets

Doctors at a Gloucestershire surgery are offering smokers a £20 reward if they kick the habit for a month.

The GPs, at Frampton-on-Severn, are funding the initiative out of their own pockets to tie in with National No Smoking Day on 10 March.

Willing patients will also get free patches, gum or other nicotine replacement therapies.

Dr Charles Buckley said: "It's not a huge sum, but will pay for an evening out, perhaps a meal.

"It's a reward for having achieved what is for them a huge health gain and from our point of view, in terms of future illness, it's enormously important."

Honest patients

The practice is not expecting hundreds to take up the offer, but would be happy if they can get up to 30 to give up.

Anyone thinking of cheating to get the cash is being warned they will be found out.

"We know most of our smokers from our records, so I don't think there'll be many dishonest patients who will pull the wool over our eyes and tell us they're smokers when they're not.

"And there are carbon monoxide meters which can check that they haven't smoked because the carbon monoxide levels in your blood fall quickly when you stop smoking.

"But I'm relying on patient's honesty and that they take this in the spirit that it's meant," said Dr Buckley.

Of the surgery's 4,000 patients, only a couple have shown interest so far, but the GPs hope that of those who do take part, a few will be able to kick the habit permanently.