St Richard’s Hospital has introduced an enhanced scheme for prescribing nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to significantly support patients in their efforts to quit smoking.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat smoking, the leading preventable cause of illness and death in the UK.
Led by Respiratory Consultant, Dr David Lodge, this initiative is a collaboration between the Tobacco Dependency Team, resident doctors, respiratory nurses, and the pharmacy team.
Dr Lodge said: “This new protocol makes it easy for doctors to prescribe NRT, which is now readily available on each ward. This ensures that patients can access nicotine replacement within two hours of admission, in line with national guidelines.”
“I’m proud that we’ve started a movement to actively support our patients in quitting smoking”.
Every patient who smokes is now offered nicotine replacement therapy and referred to a tobacco dependency advisor to help them on their journey to becoming smoke-free.
Tobacco Dependency Advisor Simon Amphlett has already observed life-changing results, with significant engagement from both patients and staff.
Simon adds: “We have seen a number of patients stay smokefree after a gentle and guided conversationalongside nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and an inhalator.”
“We then refer to local stop smoking services, as well asprovide vital ‘myth busting’ around vaping”.
St Richard’s Hospital, part of University Hospitals Sussex, maintains a ‘Smoke-Free Site’ policy to ensure a healthy environment for both patients and staff.
The Tobacco Dependency Programme is beginning a recruitment drive which will enhance the services at UHSussex helping to support patients and building on the NHS Long Term plan for Tobacco Dependency Treatment services.
This proactive approach to tackling smoking is expected to improve long-term patient outcomes and reduce smoking-related health issues.
This important work also ties into the nationwide ‘Stoptober’ campaign, running throughout October 2024, further promoting smoking cessation.
St Richard’s is leading the change, demonstrating that quitting smoking is not just a personal choice but a supported journey with health professionals dedicated to helping patients succeed.