The Phoenix Toolkit – a guide to stop shop developments?

Authors:
Gary Burroughs and Anne Bardgett

Presenters:
Gary Burroughs
Lincolnshire Tobacco Control Strategy Manager, Phoenix NHS Stop Smoking Service, Lincolnshire Community Health Services, UK

Carol Brewer
Phoenix Workplace Specialist, Phoenix NHS Stop Smoking Service, Lincolnshire Community Health Services, UK

Abstract
In February 2008, Phoenix opened its first ‘Stop shop’ in the city centre of Lincoln. This quickly proved a great success, bringing Phoenix into the very heart of a community that had been ranked in the top 25 cities in England with the highest smoking prevalence. The location allowed the client the opportunity of attending their support sessions whilst in town, shopping or at work, avoiding having to make an appointment to see the GP or advisor in a different location. The high profile of the venue has meant an increase in referrals, which can be made, not only via the traditional process from professionals, but with the added option for the client themselves to drop in to make an appointment, usually made solely because they have seen the shop. The small venue was soon outgrown, so it was decided to develop further shops in other areas, chosen carefully for the needs of the community, using geo-demographic tools such as HealthAcorn, Mosaic and effective local consultation. We now have three shops with others imminent. With each development, we have encountered something new, and this experiential learning has been invaluable. As a consequence, we have developed a Toolkit as a guide to support less advanced services and ‘A Smokefree Future.’

Source of funding: NHS Lincolnshire via commissioning budget for Phoenix NHS Stop Smoking Service and Lincoln City Council

Declaration of interest: none

About the presenters
Gary Burroughs was educated at Leeds University and University College of St Martin’s and joined the Cumberland Infirmary as a staff grade physiotherapist. Left to undertake health research and development for the North Cumbria Health Authority. Moved back to West Yorkshire as Chief Officer of Pontefract and District CHC until the abolition of CHCs. Then took up current post of Lincolnshire Tobacco Control Strategy Manager in 2003. This involves the management of the successful Phoenix NHS Stop Smoking Service and all tobacco control issues from an NHS perspective. This includes; (i) representing NHS interest on the Lincolnshire Smokefree Lincs Alliance, (ii) Chairing Regional Coalition Group, (iii) Supporting tobacco control issues through the legislative process and, (iv) Supporting the formulation of policy with HR across Lincolnshire (NHS) as a consequence to legislative changes (workplace restrictions – Health Act 2006 etc).

Carol Brewer Has worked in smoking cessation since 2003. Previously worked as a Health Development Specialist at Bassetlaw PCT she moved to Lincolnshire in 2008 as a Workplace Specialist advisor for the Phoenix Stop Smoking Service, developing the service for workplaces and has been involved in the development of the Phoenix Health Shops in Gainsborough and Lincoln. Carol previously worked as a Holistic Therapist.