As Stoptober comes to an end, NHS Lanarkshire’s is still encouraging those who are considering quitting smoking to take the first step toward a smoke-free life – with tailored support from it’s Quit Your Way service.
The team consists of friendly advisers who offer confidential help to anyone who wants to stop smoking, even if they have tried before. Those who contact the service can expect practical advice, one-to-one support and access to free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) that suits them. The service has already helped thousands of local people to quit for good – including staff within NHS Lanarkshire itself.
One of those success stories is Dr Evelyn Doak, Specialty Doctor based at University Hospital Wishaw, who used the Quit Your Way service earlier this year and has now been smoke-free for 19 weeks.
Dr Doak said: “I’d simply had enough of smoking ruling my life – it was costing me money and affecting my health. One of the Occupational Therapists I work with had used the Quit Your Way service and recommended it to me, so I decided to give it a try.
“The support from my adviser, Mary, was excellent. She met me on the ward to check in, provide encouragement, and supply me with my NRT as well as talking me through how to use it effectively. It really made the process simple and manageable around my work commitments.
“The difference since quitting has been incredible – I breathe better, I no longer have a chronic cough, and even my partner says I snore less! I also now have money left over at the end of the month whereas I didn’t before.
“I can’t praise the service enough. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Mary Jinks, Evelyn’s stop smoking adviser from the Quit Your Way team based at University Hospital Wishaw, said:
“It’s been wonderful to support Evelyn on her quit journey. Stopping smoking is one of the best things anyone can do for their health, and we’re proud to offer flexible, compassionate support that really fits around people’s lives.”
Contact the service:
To find out about the stop smoking services and to access the best support to quit in your area call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 between Monday and Friday from 9am until 5pm or visit The NHS Lanarkshire Quit Your Way webpage.
You can now use our ‘Click to be Contacted’ service, select your local or nearest area, leave your name, preferred contact method and we will be in touch with you.
You can also visit your local community pharmacy for free stop smoking support. Find your nearest community pharmacy.
There is also still time for NHS Lanarkshire staff to register for free access to the Smoke Free App. The team is providing free licenses left for staff to redeem, which are usually worth up to £50 each to access certain features. Staff who sign up will have free access to the app for 12 weeks and will also be provided with free Nicotine Replacement Therapy delivered to their home or to collect from their chosen pharmacy.
