‘Tickets please’ – NHS Hertfordshire’s Health Bus. Taking Public Health and Smoking Cessation services to the community
|
Author(s)
Adam Crowe and Karen Plumeridge
|
| Presenter(s) |
Adam Crowe Business Manager Organisation, Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service |
Karen Plumeridge Local Account Manager, Pfizer Ltd |
Abstract As part of NHS Hertfordshire’s strategic objectives to address areas of high health inequalities and reduce smoking prevalence to 10% by 2015, the Hertfordshire Stop Service (HSSS) developed a campaign specifically to target these communities.
HSSS wanted to drive quality referrals into their service and reach local audiences effectively with a powerful, wider public health message; promoting smoking cessation alongside healthier life styles.
Methods:
An iconic double decker red ‘health bus’ was commissioned as it would attract attention and interest as well as provide a suitable environment. A team of healthcare professionals were selected to conduct a range of public health services including Level 2 smoking cessation interventions, and lung age tests whilst providing healthy lifestyle advice.
Results:
The campaign was successful with over 3000 public health interventions being made on the Health bus. HSSS generated over 360 referrals into the service and in addition, another 400 smokers received Level 1 Brief Intervention advice. 241 lung age checks were also conducted with 20% of these being referred into primary care. Collaborative working between HSSS advisors and healthcare professionals increased the effectiveness of each patient’s intervention. This was achieved by including smoking cessation as part of a holistic healthy lifestyle message and experience.
|
Source of funding: This initiative was supported by Pfizer Ltd.
|
Declaration of interest: Karen Plumeridge is an employee of Pfizer Ltd.
|
| |
