Poole LINk News
Press release from NHS Bournemouth and Poole
OVER 2000 SMOKERS KICK THE HABIT AS NHS BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE SMASHES SMOKING QUIT GOAL
Smoking success stories celebrated in Bournemouth and Poole
New figures published today show that over 2000 people in Bournemouth and Poole quit smoking last year with the help of the NHS Bournemouth and Poole Stop Smoking Service, saving lives from illnesses such as lung cancer and heart disease.
13 of the 14 Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) across the South West exceeded all expectations as the results revealed that 34,649 smokers successfully quit their habit through their local NHS Stop Smoking Service in 2009-10, exceeding the forecast mark by over 200 people.
Mark Harris, Stop Smoking Service Development Manager, NHS Bournemouth and Poole said: “I would like to congratulate the 2173 people in Bournemouth and Poole who have quit smoking in the last year. Smoking causes serious health issues, but by quitting these people will drastically improve their quality of life. The local services available to support people to quit do so in a friendly and non judgemental manner and we would like to encourage other smokers to call us on 0300 30 38 038 or text QUITIT to 64446 to benefit of the free advice and support that is on offer”.
The positive figures follow-on from the successful launch of Smokefree South West in 2009, which aims to build on the work carried out by local NHS Stop Smoking Service teams to tackle smoking in the region.
Director of Smokefree South West, Fiona Andrews, said: “These new figures showcase the tremendous work being done by the NHS Stop Smoking Service advisers in Bournemouth and Poole whose tireless efforts aid people to quit smoking.
“It is also a fantastic tribute to all former smokers who have had the courage to become smoke free.
“The fact that more than 2000 people have quit smoking in Bournemouth and Poole in one year is something we should celebrate, and demonstrates that people can have continued confidence to go to their local NHS Stop Smoking safe in the knowledge that they have helped many before them.
“As ever though, the top quality work cannot stop now. Smoking is still the single biggest contributor to health inequalities and premature death and disease in the UK.”
David Phillips a Director of Public Health in the South West, said:
“Combating the harm caused by tobacco and reducing the numbers of smokers is an ongoing priority for the NHS and we’re delighted to again see such positive, encouraging results in Bournemouth and Poole.
“The figures are a great indicator of the quality of the NHS Bournemouth and Poole Stop Smoking team who deliver such an outstanding support service right across the area. We are sure that that they will continue to keep Bournemouth and Poole on the path to becoming smoke free.”
If you want to find your local NHS Stop Smoking Service, please call us on 0300 30 38 038 or text QUITIT to 64446.
Local case study: Bournemouth man quits with the help of his local NHS Stop Smoking Service
A man from Bournemouth turned to the NHS Stop Smoking Service for the support he needed to help him get fighting fit for an operation.
Colin Stansfield, 65, had been a 40- a-day smoker until April this year when his surgeon told him he would need to quit before he could be considered healthy enough to undergo an operation to remove a benign growth from his neck.
“My wife Maureen was also a smoker and she came along with me for the support, which has been great. At the first appointment we went through a plan of action and Shirley, my adviser, helped me to choose a nicotine replacement therapy to suit me.
“After that we went once a week and then, as time went on, once a fortnight. I have now come off the nicotine replacement therapy and I am really pleased. The advice and support from Shirley was faultless and really helped me to keep on track.”
Ends