10/03/10

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is supporting this year’s No Smoking Day 2010 which takes place on Wednesday, 10 March 2010.

No Smoking Day 2009 saw one in ten smokers kick the habit, that's an impressive 900,000 people and even more are expected to take part today.

The event is an opportunity to encourage staff and patients to kick the habit, as well as an excuse to remind patients and visitors that we are a no smoking hospital.

This year's theme has been developed with smoker themselves. They claimed that smoking gives them a sense of being trapped by their addiction which they feel powerless to change, they want to give up but not sure if they can do it. Our advisors recognise this difficulty but can help.

At Gloucestershire Royal Hospital information will be available at lunchtime in Foster's Restaurant and throughout the rest of the day in the Health Information Room. A display will be put up in the entrance at Cheltenham General Hospital and advisors will be on hand to test your carbon monoxide levels and to provide information. Alternatively, go along and pick up leaflets.

 

Case studies

 

Patient quits by accessing help at Cheltenham General Hospital

A Cheltenham man gave up smoking after a serious health scare gave him the motivation he needed to quit. Tony Gates, 74, was admitted to the Cheltenham General Hospital to have an operation for a furred carotid artery and saw an adviser from his local NHS Stop Smoking Service while he was on the ward.

“I have been smoking since I was 19,” Tony said. “It was just the done thing back then and if you didn’t smoke you felt like the odd one out. I didn’t even like it to start with, but I soon became really hooked. Up until the time I decided to quit, I only smoked around eight small cigars a day. “I had tried to stop a few times before by going cold turkey but it never worked. My wife and my three daughters were supportive and always encouraged me, but I don’t think I would have stopped if it were not for the operation. It opened my eyes to the damage it could be doing.

“Upon admission to the hospital, I met with my adviser, Annette Edmunds. She discussed the various nicotine replacement therapies that would be suited to me and they really did help me during my stay. I have not smoked since. When I left hospital I continued to have one-to-one support sessions with her on a fortnightly basis. Now I just stay in touch and meet with Annette when I feel I need a bit of extra support.

“There are times when I still feel a great urge to smoke, but since quitting, I am feeling much healthier.”

Former patient kicks the habit by getting help at Gloucestershire Royal

A patient received the support he needed to quit by accessing help from his local NHS Stop Smoking Service while in hospital.

Michael McCrudden received treatment for kidney cancer and fibromyalgia at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital that Michael decided to seek help. He called the NHS Stop Smoking free phone-line and was told about a clinic at the hospital.

“I had been smoking since the age of ten. It was just one of the many things we shouldn’t have got up to as young lads.” Michael said. “I had wanted to stop for years and I tried a variety of methods, including hypnotherapy, which didn’t work at the time. My illnesses were a motivating factor in giving it another go, but not the only reason. The smell and the second-hand smoke were a concern to me and I had not been smoking indoors for two years for the sake of my wife and family.

“I met with Annette Edmunds, my adviser and she gave me lots of support and encouragement. I started off meeting with her every week for a while, then every fortnight and I now see her whenever I feel the need to.

“The help I received felt tailored to me and there was absolutely no pressure. Now when I leave the hospital after a session, I feel really pleased that I am not one of those people huddled outside the entrance smoking.”

For more information, please contact: Sarah Brown, Communications Specialist on 08454 224722 or Sarah.Brown4@glos.nhs.uk