Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy through Quitline and Cessation Training for Health Professionals

Smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable illness and death in South Australia, with 28 South Australians dying every week from tobacco related diseases. Health professionals can now support South Australians who smoke or vape to access free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) through Quitline, alongside online training to build confidence in providing cessation advice. 

Free NRT 

South Australians looking to quit smoking or vaping can now access free NRT through the Quitline. This initiative is funded by Preventive Health SA in partnership with the Australian Government. Eligible participants receive evidence based quitting support, including free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges, alongside guidance from trained Quitline counsellors. 

Further information: Extra Quitting Support in VIC & SA: Eligibility Information 

Training courses for health professionals 

Quit provides free, evidence based online training for GPs and health professionals. A full list of training courses is available here. 

Smoking Cessation Brief Advice Essentials 

The Smoking Cessation Brief Advice Essentials course is designed for health professionals working in a range of settings. The course aims to equip health professionals with the skills, confidence and knowledge to support patients who smoke and vape to quit. 

Duration: 30 mins 

Cost: Free 

Learning outcomes: 

• Describe smoking trends in Australia and identify communities that have higher smoking prevalence. 
• Examine the health effects of smoking and its impact on health outcomes. 
• Describe how to provide fast, simple and effective brief advice in a supportive, non-judgemental manner. 
• Highlight the important role of behavioural intervention (Quitline) and referral pathways. 
• Recognise the importance of managing nicotine withdrawal and the different smoking cessation pharmacotherapy options available. 
• Identify what additional resources and support are available to help you care for people who smoke and vape.