UHNM equips staff to make every contact count ahead of smoke-free launch
Staff from across the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust came together last week for a dedicated Making Every Contact Count (MECC) Study Day, aimed at boosting confidence in having meaningful conversations with patients about their health and wellbeing.
The study day comes at an important time for the Trust, as UHNM prepares to become officially smoke-free on 1 April. The session focused on equipping staff with the skills and confidence to use everyday interactions as opportunities to support positive behaviour change around smoking, alcohol and wider wellbeing. With Stoke-on-Trent experiencing some of the highest smoking rates in the country, the need for proactive prevention has never been clearer.
Kim Perickathara, Tobacco Dependency Lead, who organised the event, said: “Our local population has a really high rate of smoking, and we see the harm that causes every day in our hospital. It’s important that we use the tools and training we have to take those key opportunities with patients and incorporate prevention into everyday conversations.”
Throughout the day, attendees explored practical techniques for delivering brief interventions, learned how MECC links with existing services such as smoking cessation and alcohol support, and discussed real-life examples of how simple conversations have led to meaningful change.
Alicia Hand, PreAms Care Coordinator said: “Sometimes we underestimate the power of a short conversation. Today has shown me that even asking the question can open the door for someone to be more open and access the right support.”
Jackie Shepherd, Specialised Dental Nurse added: “I was relatively confident giving brief advice before, but today has strengthened my knowledge and added to the techniques I can use. It makes a huge difference. We need to approach people in a supportive and non-judgmental way. The fact that we’re officially smoke-free gives us the confidence and the backing to have those conversations.”
A key theme of the day was the power of Very Brief Advice (VBA), a 30-second conversation that could potentially save a life. Staff were reminded that even short, well-placed conversations can open the door to meaningful change.
That change is already being seen. Two years ago, monthly smoking cessation numbers sat between five and ten. Now, the Trust is supporting an average of 50 quits per month; a significant improvement driven by consistent conversations and accessible support.
Jayne Pointon, Tobacco Dependency Advisor, explained the impact of early intervention: “It’s all about behaviour change and making sure our people and population have the right support on hand, breaking down sensitive barriers, allowing patients to start their quit attempt as soon as they have their first contact in the hospital.
Support is easily accessible for patients, visitors and staff, with drop-in options available. Jayne added: It’s really rewarding to see patients stop successfully and be eager to encourage their friends and family to use the available support as well. Patients have got to be motivated to quit and that’s why we are here.”
As UHNM moves towards becoming a fully smoke-free on all sites, initiatives such as MECC play a key role in ensuring staff feel equipped to support patients through the transition. By embedding prevention into everyday practice, whether in inpatient, outpatient or community-facing roles, the Trust continues to strengthen its ambition to improve long-term health outcomes across Staffordshire.
Through empowering colleagues to have compassionate, timely conversations, UHNM is not only treating illness but actively working to prevent it.
To find out more about how UHNM is going smokefree and future training opportunities like the MECC study day, please click here