Smoking

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health

When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair, and you will be able to breathe easier.

There are lots of benefits that start almost immediately.

If you are a Health Care Professional or one of many Health and Social Subscriber Champions, you can deliver Very Brief Advice in as little as 30 seconds.

VBA consists of three very important questions;

ASK - ADVISE - ACT 

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

Confirm smoker status.

If Yes then continue with Assist and Act.

If No the patient is an ex-smoker or non-smoker congratulate them!

Very Brief Advice comprises of 30 seconds intervention, therefore the only requirement is to identify smokers. We do not ask clients or patients how many cigarettes/rolls ups they smoke. An assessment of tobacco use will be carried out by the stop smoking advisor upon registration.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Smokers encouraged to sign up if they:

  • are ready and motivated to quit.
  • will commit to the ‘not a single puff rule’.
  • will commit to a 12-week smoke free programme.

Smokers are three times more likely to stop smoking with the right support, medication or vape device.

Once a quitter reaches 28 days of being smoke free, they are four times more likely to quit for good!

A lone quitter with no support has about a 3% chance of success, so don't delay, and plan your quit today.

Assist

Explain that help is available at three different support setting.

GP Surgery

Book an appointment with your Stop Smoking Specialist Nurse or HCA. Patients are provided with combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy (nicotine patch and 1 x oral nicotine product). Prescription charges will apply for both nicotine products unless clients are exempt from prescription charges.

Participating Pharmacy Scheme

Walk in and make an appointment with one of the listed Pharmacies A one-off prescription charge will apply upon registration unless you are exempt. Clients are provided with combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy (nicotine patch and 1 x oral nicotine product). Clients must be prepared to attend the pharmacy for weekly support and medication.

Swap Smoking Scheme. Vape Shop Support

Any smoker who would like to sign up to a vape shop must complete the online referral form Once we receive a referral, they will be contacted by a member of the team who will assess their eligibility for the vape programme. Once they have received approval, they will receive a code that will enable them to make an appointment at one of the commissioned vape shops in Southend. Upon setting a quit date in store, clients will be given a free vape device and supplies on registration. We recommend that clients visit their in-store advisor on a weekly basis.

NHS Information on Vaping.

So, what are you waiting for? Click on the link: I want to quit smoking.

Please note: Once a client has committed to a specific support setting, this cannot be changed.

 

Act

NATIONAL SUPPORT

  • Call the free Smokefree National Helpline to speak to a trained, expert adviser on 0300 123 1044. All lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm*.
  • Smokefree has lots of free support this includes a smartphone app, email programme or text messages that will keep you focused wherever you are.
  • You can also speak to your doctor, pharmacy team or local Stop Smoking Service for expert advice on stop smoking medicines.

SELF CARE

  • Download the NHS Smokefree app from itunes or google play
  • Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
  • Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
  • Millions have used Smokefree support to help them stop smoking. Choose from an app, email, SMS and face-to-face guidance. 
  • https://ash.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Tobacco-Environment.pdf

Emphasise that quitting will the best thing they will ever do and the NHS Smokefree service can provide the friendly and helpful support they need to quit for good

Local Support and Contact Details