Hospital helping patients quit smoking this Stopober

Date: 21 October 2019

StopSmoking

Even though smoking is in terminal decline, it remains the nation’s biggest killer. Although there are now almost two million fewer smokers than in 2011 nationally, there remain around six million adults who are still subject to the devastating harm tobacco causes.

In Medway, it is estimated that there are 21,000 less smokers than there were in 2012, while the area has seen its smoking prevalence reduce from 25.5 per cent in 2012 to 14.7 per cent in 2018.

This Stoptober, staff at Medway NHS Foundation Trust are continuing to work with community partners to make further progress, and help patients and visitors kick the habit.

Since the Trust’s base - Medway Maritime Hospital - became smoke-free just over three years ago (17 October 2016), a number of initiatives have been carried to encourage patients to quit smoking.

The latest project, led by Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Nandita Divekar, in collaboration with Medway Council’s Stop Smoking Service, has seen the introduction of specialist stop smoking advisors based at the hospital in Gillingham. These dedicated advisors offer smokers the chance to talk about the benefits of quitting smoking before an operation, and what support options are available locally to support them.

One local Medway resident, who recently visited the hospital, successfully quit smoking after being referred onto the service before an operation. She said: “I had been a smoker for more than 50 years, so when I was first told about speaking to an adviser and giving up for good, I didn’t think it was possible. However, the support I received was absolutely fantastic.

“It was terrific to speak to people who were so understanding and encouraging – I was given advice before my operation, after I came out of hospital, and I still get calls from the team to this day! “

Vicky Carter (pictured), Medway Stop Smoking Service Health Improvement Project Officer (Acute), said: “If a patient stops smoking before surgery they are likely to recover quicker and there is less chance of complications such as lung and heart problems, and an increased risk of being admitted to intensive care, all of which can lead to a longer stay in hospital.’’

If you want to quit smoking for good, visit www.medway.gov.uk/stopsmoking or call 01634 334 800.

  • Summary:

    This Stoptober, staff at Medway NHS Foundation Trust are continuing to work with community partners to make further progress, and help patients and visitors kick the habit.