Newham’s innovative strategies: To set up smoking cessation in a secondary care setting

Authors and presenters:
Anusha Pasula
Pregnancy and Hospital Stop Smoking Specialist

Meghna Vithlani
Lead Commissioner for Stop Smoking Service, NHS Newham, London, UK

Abstract
Background and Aim: It is increasingly difficult and challenging to set up service in a Secondary care setting. This presentation aims to outline the NEWHAM Innovative Strategic approach in setting up an effective Stop smoking Service in Newham University Hospital NHS Trust.

Methods: Innovative methods were put into practice to make the service more accessible for users and the providers. Effective referral pathways and systems were established and followed to maximise the potential to Refer, Recruit and Reach inpatients, outpatients and the staff. Effective strategies were used to provide training, motivate and encourage health professionals to actively participate in the process of planning, developing and implementing the service.

Results: An increase in referrals was noticed from the various wards and Pre-op Team in the Hospital. From the time this service was set up (Jan 2009), we received over 100 referrals from the Pre-Op pre-assessment team and over 150 from the hospital wards, resulting in a quit rate of 66%.

Conclusion: Positive uptake of the service and enthusiastic participation of health professional was observed. This presentation reflects Newham’s approach of demonstrating Novel, Effective, Workable, Helpful, Adaptable, and Motivating strategies that enabled to develop and implement an effective hospital stop smoking intervention.

Source of funding: NHS Newham Stop Smoking Service

Declaration of interest: none