Risk of heart attack halves one year after your last cigarette
Sabrina Begum, tobacco dependence advisor, talks about the new Tobacco Dependency Service and how it aims to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, following news from the DHSC that smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in England
What is the tobacco dependency service and where is it based?
The tobacco dependency service is an exciting and supportive new service which has been embedded in the NHS long term plan. It aims to ensure that all inpatients admitted to wards, most tobacco users, and all pregnant women are screened for smoking and offered NHS funded treatment to go tobacco free as part of their routine care while in hospital. The service will be rolled out across four sites: St Bartholomew’s Hospital, The Royal London Hospital, Whipps Cross Hospital and Newham Hospital.
How can the NHS help people quit smoking? How accessible is this information?
The NHS offers free one-to-one specialist support by a trained tobacco dependence advisor along with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and pharmacotherapy to help patients go tobacco free. Find out more information on our website.
Why did you want to join the tobacco dependency team?
It’s an opportunity to make a huge difference. I have a passion for helping people and to bring out the positive change in individuals - this role is not only rewarding but also promotes social recovery. I am excited to be part of an amazing team.
How do you feel knowing you are helping families?
Smoking increases health inequalities. It is completely essential for individuals to fully understand the health risks associated with smoking. I believe helping patients go tobacco free is the best approach to also help protect family members from the harm associated through the medium of passive smoking.
Is there anyone in particular you feel you have helped?
Assisting vulnerable individuals for their wellbeing is an achievement within itself. I believe that with facilitation, everyone has the right to strive for their full potential. I think everyone has the ability to change when given the opportunity, and it is my responsibility to give them the tools to do so.
How important do you think it is for the NHS to have an in-house tobacco dependency service?
It is significantly important to have an in-house tobacco dependence service. This bridges the gap between secondary care smoking cessation services and those established in community pharmacy offering additional assistance to patients. There is a great need and demand for patients to go tobacco free to protect their health and well-being.
How does the service work?
- On admission, patients will be screened on their smoking status
- Every smoker will be referred for an opt-out 40 minutes consultation with a tobacco dependence advisor
- Behavioural support and NRT will be provided
- A personalised care plan to assist quitting whilst the patient is still in hospital as an inpatient
- Telephone consultations to discuss their quit progress and a referral to stop smoking service to help in continuing their quit smoking efforts post discharge
How will this service help?
There is a strong need for spreading awareness amongst tobacco users about the long-lasting effects of smoking tobacco and to eradicate smoking myths. This service will improve health status, quality of life and lessen the financial strain that smoking imposes on smokers, their families and the healthcare systems, by improving mental health, relieving stress and boosting your immune system. After a year, the risk of a heart attack would have halved, and after 5 to 10 years the risk of a stroke will be the same as a non-smoker.
Read more below