Hello, my name is Niamh
Hello. My name is Niamh and I am the new project manager for Tackling Tobacco Dependency at North Mid. My role involves working closely with the Trust's Tackling Tobacco Dependency Action Group and partners to ensure effective routes exist to support patients and staff who wish to stop smoking and help promote a Smoke-free hospital site.
Smoking is the nation’s number one killer and National No Smoking Day on Wednesday 10 March is a great opportunity for smokers to think about quitting. At North Mid we support our patients by identifying those who smoke and by giving brief, positive advice on the benefits of quitting and the most effective way to quit. The research evidence suggests that with medication and specialist support, smokers are up to four times more likely to successfully quit than with willpower alone.
Those who smoke (staff and patients) can access specialist support at their local stop smoking service, where available, or by visiting Smoke-free NHS website or Stop Smoking London. In Haringey, One You provides a service to all residents aged 12+ and in Enfield there are Stop Smoking Services for pregnant women and their partners. To support our in-patients, Nicotine Replacement therapy is available to those who have withdrawal symptoms or would like to use this option to support their quit attempt.
If staff would like information on how to refer patients, please see the Tackling Tobacco Dependence section within the Keeping People Healthy page on My North Mid.