Medway Doctor urges smokers to quit this ‘Stoptober’

Date: 28 October 2020

StopSmoking

Medway NHS Foundation Trust is supporting the annual ‘Stoptober’ campaign, encouraging the nation's smokers to make a quit attempt for the month of October and beyond.

The Trust’s Consultant Anaesthetist and Smoking Cessation Lead, Dr Nandita Divekar (pictured far right), says the month-long initiative has an extra incentive this year, offering smokers protection from the increased risk of severe illness linked to COVID-19. Dr Divekar said:

“Smoking remains one of the biggest killers across the country and in our local area of Medway and Swale, and we want to encourage all smokers to give quitting a go.

‘’Quitting smoking can rapidly reduce your risk of a range of life threatening illnesses and the coronavirus pandemic has made us all conscious of the need to protect ourselves, our families and loved ones. If you smoke, there’s never been a more important time to quit and keep yourself healthy and out of hospital.

‘’In my role I see the harms of smoking every day, but it’s never too late to quit and experience the associated health benefits. Our dedicated local smoking cessation team, the Medway Stop Smoking Service, can help support you through your quit attempt with expert advice and medications to deal with cravings.”

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it is estimated that over 130,000 smokers in the south east have quit smoking, with many more encouraged to do so throughout ‘Stoptober’ and beyond.

One former smoker, Christine from Rochester, 59, thanks the NHS for saving her life after she was urged to kick the habit following a visit to hospital. Christine said:

‘’It’s not easy giving up smoking but it has saved my life - there are many ways and things you can do to get help and support.

‘’Smoking is the worst mistake I ever made, but giving up is the best thing you can do. It affects your whole life because you are better off financially and health-wise. I’ve never looked back.’’

If you want to quit smoking for good, visit www.medway.gov.uk/stopsmoking or call 01634 334 800 or 0800 234 6805.

  • Summary:

    Medway NHS Foundation Trust is supporting the annual ‘Stoptober’ campaign, encouraging the nation's smokers to make a quit attempt for the month of October and beyond.