How to improve pharmacy smoking cessation services
| Author(s)
Michael J Walsh
| | Presenter(s) |
Michael J Walsh Pharmacist, Walshs Pharmacy, Newry, Northern Ireland | Abstract Pharmacy dominates the NHS smoking cessation program, capturing almost 70% of quit attempts. Despite this, there are a number of people within the sector who would question pharmacy’s commitment to the scheme, and the quality of the service provided.
Within my talk I explore the significance of the pharmacy service. I acknowledge our limitations and failings, but I also provoke debate as to the extent these failings have in producing a successful quit. Using NICE return on investment figures, I argue that participation in a program is often the most defining factor in quitting. I explain some of the innovations I introduced into my own clinic which resulted in me being awarded Advisor of the Year.
I believe that I can bring a unique perspective to quit attempts. As an ex-smoker (7 failed attempts before succeeding) I can empathise with the smoker. As a working pharmacist, I realise the pressures of a busy pharmacy, and as a business man my eye is on the bottom line.
My talk is entitled “Bruce Forsythe is older than sliced bread!” and while it is not an academic paper, it gives an honest, thought provoking and often humorous insight into pharmacy’s role in smoking cessation.
A representation can be viewed on you-tube:
http://youtu.be/reUupw04mrs
| Presenter biography Michael Walsh is a pharmacist from Warrenpoint, N. Ireland
He specialises in smoking cessation, and runs a very successful stop smoking clinic through his pharmacy. In recent years he has lectured extensively to other health professionals, and has built a reputation for his innovative and practical approach to helping smokers to quit.
Michael has also developed a workshop for smokers entitled “Don’t quit smoking on a Monday!” which combines science with common sense. He also has a website www.quitthefags.com
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As a result of his work in the field, Michael has been awarded The Pharmacy in Focus Award for Health Promotion, the NI Healthcare Review award for Smoking Cessation, and Advisor Magazine Advisor of the Year Award
| Source of funding: Self funded
| Declaration of interest: None
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