Newham’s stop smoking mobile roadshow – effective and cost efficient model

Authors and presenters:
Meghna Vithlani
Lead Commissioner for Stop Smoking Service, NHS Newham, London, UK

David McMaster
Communities Stop Smoking Advisor, NHS Newham, London, UK

Abstract
Aims: NHS Newham organised a mini roadshow to take stop smoking advice directly to the local population. Our aim was to follow up on our previous successful campaign and encourage people to take advice and support to quit smoking.

Methods: NHS Newham acquired two mini vans following successful smoking cessation campaign last year. Launched in January 2010 a 5.5 metre long vehicle displaying campaign messages was used for the mobile road show. The unit has two consultation room and a small waiting area. It visited two high footfall locations within the borough twice a week during the 12-week campaign. We had one promotional staff and two stop smoking advisors on board. Efficiency savings were made by purchasing the vans and using core staff for interventional activities.

Results: Over 3 months, 864 visitors received level 1 brief intervention and 129 people set a quit date. The total number of people successfully quit will be disclosed in the final presentation.

Conclusion: The road show proved to be a highly successful campaign in spreading awareness about the service and encouraging the local population to set quit dates. This cost effective model could be readily adopted within other boroughs with success.

Declaration of interest: none