What are the barriers to local success? A systematic analysis of recommendations made by the Tobacco Control National Support Team

Authors and presenters:
Dale Ricketts
Associate Delivery Manager, Department of Health Tobacco Control National Support Team, London, UK

Lynne Kilner
Associate Delivery Manager, Department of Health Tobacco Control National Support Team, London, UK

Abstract
The Department of Health’s Tobacco Control National Support Team (TCNST) works across national, regional and local structures to support delivery of the Tobacco Control agenda. Locally, through intensive ‘diagnostic’ visits, the TCNST works directly with and alongside senior colleagues in PCTs and local authorities to improve performance against national targets. This process identifies barriers to successful local delivery, highlights examples of good practice and results in tailored recommendations to help improve local performance.

Drawing upon TCNST recommendations taken from diagnostic visits conducted throughout 2008 and 2009, this presentation identifies key themes that have emerged from these visits. The findings from this work will provide the basis for a series of masterclasses and products which will strengthen local planning in relation to delivering a comprehensive approach to tobacco control.

Declaration of interest: none

About the presenters
Before joining the NST, Dale Ricketts set up and managed an NHS Stop Smoking Service developed to meet the needs of the diverse ethnic population of West Birmingham. He also has experience of developing vascular screening programmes and has presented at a national level on health promotion engagement within black and minority ethnic populations.

Lynne Kilner is a nurse by background, with Coronary Care training and experience followed by 10 years working in cardiac rehabilitation. Lynne worked for a PCT in Public Health where the role included managing the Stop Smoking Service and setting up the local Tobacco Alliance. Before joining the NST, Lynne had experience of service improvement and project management in a variety of areas and was mostly recently working in a commissioning role.