UHNM thanks patients, visitors and staff as smoke-free progress takes shape

Health professionals at University Hospitals of of North Midlands (UHNM) today said small changes are making a big difference in supporting patients to quit smoking after its hospitals became smoke-free. 

Since becoming became a a smoke-free Trust on 1 April, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has already has made significant progress in supporting healthier lives for patients, visitors and staff.

This progress would not have been possible without the understanding, cooperation and commitment of our local communities and workforce.  

The number of patients being screened about their smoking status in the Royal Stoke’s Acute Medical Unit (AMU) has increased to 90 per-cent, meaning more people who smoke are being identified early and offered nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to support and manage withdrawal during their hospital stay.  
 

Early work on the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) has highlighted that not all patients were being screened about their smoking status.  

A previous audit showed that only about 19 per cent of patients were identified as smokers but none were referred for support. It also showed  and screening depended largely on individual staff rather than a standard approach.  

Recognising that “if we don’t ask, we can’t help”, the Tobacco Dependency Team and the staff at the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) worked together to make simple but meaningful changes.

A clear and consistent way of asking patients about smoking as a part of the admission process was introduced.  

Natasha Brereton, senior staff nurse on AMU, said: “The smoking check is simple and takes just a few seconds, so once it was introduced it rarely gets missed.” 

Since these changes were introduced on AMU, patients smoking status screening has increased from 0 per cent to over 90 per cent, more patients who smoke are being identified early and are offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and support to manage withdrawal during their hospital stay.  
 
Natasha added: “The way we have implemented smoking screening during admission has shown how a small change can make a big difference, not just for our unit, but across the Trust.”  

Similar success has been seen on Ward 113 who have hit and sustained a 100 per cent patient smoking status screening rate, and this learning is now being shared with other wards to support consistent standards across the Trust.  

Kim Perickathara, UHNM tobacco dependency lead, said: “AMU and Ward 113 have both shown what is possible when smoking status screening becomes part of a routine practice.

"This work will continue, with a focus on supporting wards with lower screening rates to use the same approach. 

“UHNM would like to thank The progress made since the 1 April is significant and we would like to thank patients, visitors and members of the public for respecting the smoke-free policy and working with us to create a healthier environment.

"We also I would also like to want to recognise the dedication of our staff, whose commitment and creativity have turned policy into real, positive changes for patients.” 
 
As a smoke-free trust UHNM remains committed to strengthening prevention and creating cleaner, safer and healthier hospital sites for everyone with free stop-smoking support is available for inpatients, outpatients, visitors and staff at any of the Trust’s site can be referred for smoking cessation support by texting “QUIT” to 07768 926537.