Supporting our patients to become smokefree

We can help you to stop smoking (or stop or reduce other tobacco use), whether in the long-term or just during your hospital stay.

Being smokefree during your hospital stay can promote faster healing and recovery.

Stopping tobacco use for a longer period is one of the best things you can do to improve both your physical and mental health.

How we can help

As part of our commitment to helping our patients live healthier lives, we have implemented a more structured approach to treating tobacco dependency.

To support this initiative, we have a team of Health Improvement Advisors. If you are a current smoker who has been admitted to a ward, you may be visited by one of these advisors during your stay.

Our advisors will:

• contact patients who smoke and provide tailored support to help them quit
• offer guidance on nicotine replacement therapy and other smoking cessation options
• refer patients to community stop-smoking services for continued support after discharge

What to expect as a patient staying in one of our hospitals

Here is a summary of the support available if you are admitted into one of our hospitals:

• Screening - We will ask if you if you smoke or use tobacco.
• Initial treatment - If you do smoke or use tobacco, you will be offered nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help manage any withdrawal symptoms. You will also automatically be referred to the Health Improvement Team.
• Specialist care - A Health Improvement Advisor will visit you to discuss staying tobacco-free. They will also measure your Carbon Monoxide levels. They can discuss stop smoking aids, including the different types of NRT products available during your hospital stay.
• Ongoing care – Our team will help you create a plan to remain smokefree after you leave the hospital. This includes receiving a two-week supply of NRT. We can also refer you to a community stop-smoking service.
• Follow-up - A Health Improvement Advisor may contact you periodically at different points after discharge to monitor your progress and provide any additional advice or support you may require.