Barnsley Hospital bosses have urged the town’s smokers to stop in order to continue a year-on-year decrease.

Smoking cessation staff have been out and about in hospital wards this month as part of this year’s annual national Stoptober campaign, which runs for the entirety of October.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that 15.8 per cent of adults in Barnsley smoked in 2022 – down from 17 per cent the year before – and it’s hoped their pleas will continue the downward trend.

In the hospital, almost 200 staff members signed up to kick their habit.

Ben Dockerill, service manager for the hospital’s Healthy Lives Team, said: “This year’s Stoptober is as important as ever, with quitting remaining one of the best things a smoker can do for their health.

“When you stop smoking good things start to happen – quitting will allow you to start moving better, breathe more easily and give you more money to spend.

“A lot of staff felt that Stoptober’s events were very informative and learnt something new from the visit.

“They thanked the team for doing the visit, and said they liked that it was fun and interactive rather than a lecture on stopping smoking.”

It follows trends across England, where the national rate of smokers reached 12.7 per cent, the lowest level on record.

Dr David Crichton, chief medical officer from NHS South Yorkshire, added: “There are so many benefits to not smoking – it’s one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and wellbeing, and not just for you, but for your family as well.

“Stoptober provides an opportunity to highlight the wide range of support to help quit smoking.

“People create their own quit plan, often with like-minded people who plan to quit and need a bit of support and inspiration.”