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Poster presentation:
Smoking cessation in Bowhouse Prison
Anne Fisher
Abstract
In 2001, an extensive survey of prisoners and staff was carried out to establish the level of smokers within HMP Kilmarnock. This survey produced concerning statistics highlighting that 97% of prisoners and 75% of staff were smokers.
In response to these high figures, a joint bid was submitted to Partnership Action on Tobacco and Health by NHS Ayrshire & Arran and HMP Kilmarnock to tackle these issues. Following a successful bid, NHS Ayrshire & Arran was able to employ a Lead Advisor.
Due to various staff and organisational changes between April 2003 and 2004 one of the Senior Nurses within the prison completed the Smoking Cessation training and commenced work with both staff and prisoners until a Lead Advisor was appointed in April 2004.
The Advisor was responsible for devising and delivering an intensive specialist Smoking Cessation support service for both staff and prisoners who wished to stop smoking. One of the main aims of the project was to reduce smoking rates within the prison.
The service offers both group and individual support programmes lasting 10 weeks.
The programme covers a variety of topics including : anxiety management, anger management, risky situations, what symptoms to expect when you stop smoking. An information pack is provided including all of the above, an ASPIRE magazine and information on cannabis use as this is widely used within the prison setting.
There are possible developments, including the production of a DVD as a method of communicating changes in the prison smoking policy as a result of the new legislation and providing information about the support available within and outwith the prison. PATH funding will end in August 2006, however, the new NHS Ayrshire & Arran tobacco prevention and cessation service have provided ongoing funding until 2008.
Biographies
Anne Fisher - Registered Mental Health Nurse - qualified in 1994. Worked in a Psychiatric day hospital for 8 years focussing on group work. Smoking Cessation Advisor - Moved to the local smoking cessation team in 2002 working in the community running groups and individual support for individuals who wanted to stop smoking. Lead Advisor for Smoking Cessation - Moved to HMP Kilmarnock to develop and implement a smoking cessation service for staff and prisoners. Tobacco Prevention Officer - Currently working within the new Fresh Air-shire service.
Eunice Hyslop - I have been a Smoking Cessation Advisor in HMP Kilmarnock since September 2005. I became interested in Smoking Cessation work after quitting myself 16 months ago while working as a staff nurse in the discharge lounge at Ayr hospital where I worked for a year after leaving Accident & Emergency at Crosshouse hospital where I had worked for 16 years. I received 1:1 support from a Smoking Cessation Advisor which I found invaluable in my quit attempt. After this I felt I wanted to help others to stop smoking, hence I applied for a post as an advisor and was appointed as advisor to the prison which I find a challenging and exciting position, especially in view of the smoking ban coming into effect on 26th March this year.
Author 1: Anne Fisher
Tobacco Prevention Officer
Fresh Air-shire Tobacco Team
NHS Ayrshire & Arran,
10 Arthur Street
Ayr
KA7 1QJ
Author 2: Eunice Hyslop
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