New analysis from Public Health Wales shows that an average of 3,845 deaths in Wales in 2022 were due to smoking in Wales every year between 2020 and 2022: more than one in ten of all deaths amongst those over 35..

On average more than 17,000 hospital admissions each year in Wales have been attributable to smoking. The rate of deaths attributable to smoking has been three times higher in the most deprived communities, and smoking-related hospital admissions twice as high compared to the least deprived, according to the new analysis.

Chris Emmerson, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Wales, said: “These statistics are a stark reminder of the devastating impact that smoking continues to have on the health of the Welsh population, particularly in our most deprived communities.”

Public Health Wales welcomes the King’s Speech announcement that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, first introduced by the previous UK government, will return to parliament in the current term.

National NHS service Help Me Quit helped over 16,000 people last year to quit smoking.

All smokers in Wales can receive free, non-judgemental support to quit, including free stop smoking medication. Visit www.helpmequit.wales or call 0800 085 2219.