The NHS has opened a pioneering stop-vaping clinic for teenagers at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, aiming to address the rise in e-cigarette use among young people. The clinic, which began seeing patients in January, is believed to be the first NHS service in England specifically for nicotine-dependent 11- to 15-year-olds.
Recent data shows that 18% of 11- to 18-year-olds had vaped last year, down from 20% in 2023 but up from 13% in 2019. Among 11- to 15-year-olds, vaping rates have continued to rise, according to a survey by Action on Smoking and Health (Ash). Professor Rachel Isba, consultant in paediatric public health at Alder Hey, said: 'With the alarming rise in the number of children and young people turning to vaping ... our clinic aims to provide crucial support.'
Treatments will be tailored to individuals and may include nicotine replacement therapy or behavioural support. The clinic will also gather data on nicotine dependence in young people, an area with limited evidence. Staff are working with schools to collect information on confiscated vapes, with evidence suggesting one in six contain the synthetic cannabinoid spice, complicating treatment.
The NHS still considers vapes a useful tool for helping adults quit smoking, but the clinic focuses on the unique challenges facing young people. Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Ash, said: 'There is limited evidence about what works to support people to quit vaping, particularly young people, so this novel service will provide important information.' The clinic does not expect to see its first results for several months.
