In October 2008, the Department of Health launched a procurement process to find an organisation to set up an NHS Centre for Smoking Cessation & Training (NCSCT) and develop evidence-based training systems for the stop smoking workforce. National charity Quit and NHS Leeds are both involved in University College London’s bid.

Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said:

“We are delighted to announce that University College London will head up the training scheme. The winning bid offered an unrivalled blend of skills and experience that will be essential to the success of this challenging project. This has the potential to make an important national and international contribution to this key area of public health.”

Subject to contract, the NCSCT is expected to be fully operational by the end of June 2009. The initial contract will be for a period of three years.

For more information, contact the Department of Health press office on 020 7210 5221.