The service also seemed to be successful in reaching out to disadvantaged groups as more than half of the smokers taking part in the most recent year got free prescriptions, which are offered to those on low incomes among others.
'Cost-effective'Prof Robert West, who led the team, said stop-smoking services could be considered the "jewel in the NHS crown".
"It has been a real success. These services are important because the people who are using them are the heaviest smokers who are the least likely to give up.
"But there is plenty of room for improvement. There was a two-fold variation between the best performing services and the worst. We need to address that."
Continue reading the main story“Start QuoteThese services helping smokers to quit have been one of the most cost-effective services on the NHS”End QuoteMartin DockrellAction on Smoking and Health He said one of the key factors of the service, which combines counselling with medication like nicotine replacement therapy, was having staff whose job was dedicated to the service rather than asking practice nurses and pharmacists to fit it in around their day jobs.Prof West also said he was concerned about the future.
Stop-smoking services became the responsibility of local councils under the shake-up of the NHS earlier this year.
"Money is tight and there is a risk that services will be cut," he added.
Dave Jones, tobacco control delivery adviser at Public Health England, said support would be given to councils with the services.
"There is still more to do but it is great to have this reflection on the bedrock established over the last 10 years."
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