Statistics on NHS Stop Smoking Services in England
COVID-19 and the production of statistics
Due to the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) there have been some changes in terms of our regular statistical production. The collection of the Stop Smoking Services data was paused in May and therefore the production of the quarter 4 2019/20 publication is on hold. Decisions to pause this collection have taken into account the three pillars of the Code of Practice for Statistics (Trustworthiness, Quality and Value). Giving everyone access to statistics at the same time remains a fundamental principle of the Code, but where this cannot be maintained we will be open and transparent about this and any other potential effects on our statistics. These decisions will be underpinned by the Office for Statistics Regulation’s guidance on changes to statistical outputs during the coronavirus outbreak (see https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/OS_policy_rapid_assessment.pdf).
We will keep you informed as developments unfold. We remain committed to providing the best and most accurate information we can, serving the public good at a time when it is needed the most.