A new model for the delivery of stop smoking support in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland
| Author(s)
Jo Dickinson, Helen Pearce and Sara Blight
| | Presenter(s) |
Jo Dickinson Programme Manager - Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland Stop Smoking Service, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust |
Helen Pearce Stop Smoking Service Mentor - Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Stop Smoking Service, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust | Abstract A new model for the delivery of stop smoking support has been designed and implemented in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland with the aim of increasing smokers’ access to services. Stop smoking support is being delivered across the three areas by competent and motivated Level 2 Active Intervention (AI) providers in GP, pharmacy and community settings. A team of dedicated mentors provide intensive support and training to advisors to enable them to deliver the service to anyone wanting to quit, including priority groups such as pregnant smokers, BME communities and people with mental health issues. The Stop Smoking Service designs and delivers all training in line with NCSCT competencies and ensures that advisors’ skills are maintained through annual refresher training and regular support visits.
Smokers wanting to quit can access support in a number of ways; by referring themselves directly to an approved AI provider, calling a free phone number at the Stop Smoking Service Hub (which is open 7-days per week) or finding details of their three nearest service providers via the text or web-based service locator. Referrals to the service are generated through Brief Intervention and Very Brief Advice training and the implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy.
| Presenter biography Jo Dickinson is programme manager for Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Stop Smoking Service. She has eight years experience in the field of Health Improvement including six years spent working for Stop Smoking Services in the North East of England and North Yorkshire. Jo holds a BSc (hons) in Forensic Psychology, a Masters in Health Psychology and a PgCE (Adult Education).
Sara Blight is a Stop Smoking Service Mentor for Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Stop Smoking Service. She has worked for over eight years with the Stop Smoking Service in County Durham specialising in pregnancy, tobacco control and the delivery of training. Sara has a BSc in Sports Science and a PGD in Public Health.
Helen Pearce currently works as a Stop Smoking Service Mentor with Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Stop Smoking Service. She previously worked for five years as a Specialist Stop Smoking Advisor within South of Tyne & Wear, specializing in community and workplace settings. Helen previously worked as a nurse within the NHS and the commercial sector. Her qualifications include RGN, B.Ed.(Hons), B.Sc.(Hons) Community Health Care studies, DPSN, Specialist practitioner – District Nursing and ENB Higher Award.
| Source of funding: N/A
| Declaration of interest: N/A
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