Smoking Cessation

Preparing for Your Care at UHNM: Support to Stop Smoking

At University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM), we are committed to helping every patient have the best possible treatment, recovery, and long-term health.

Stopping smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. Whether you are coming into the hospital for an appointment, surgery, or ongoing care, we are here to support you.

Why Stopping Smoking Helps Your Health

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-lasting benefits:

  • Better recovery from surgery – wounds heal faster and risk of infection is reduced.
  • Improved breathing – lung function starts to improve within weeks.
  • Lower risks – reduced chance of heart attack, stroke, and cancer.
  • More energy – better sleep, fitness, and overall wellbeing.
  • Protecting others – less exposure to harmful second-hand smoke for your family and friends.

Even stopping just a few weeks before surgery can make a big difference to your recovery.

We understand quitting smoking is not easy – but you don’t have to do it alone.

You can be referred for stop smoking support while you are in hospital, both inpatients and outpatients.

What’s included in the 12-week stop smoking programme?

·         Personal support from a trained Tobacco Dependency Advisor

·         A quit plan tailored to you and your lifestyle

·         Access to treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy (patches, lozenges, sprays, inhalators)

·         Prescription options where suitable (e.g. varenicline or cytisine)

·         Regular check-ins (face-to-face or phone) to track progress and stay motivated

·         Tips and strategies to cope with cravings and triggers

·         Ongoing encouragement to help you quit for good

There are a range of safe and effective treatments available to help you stop smoking.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

·         Provides nicotine without the harmful chemicals in tobacco.

·         Helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

·         Available as patches, gum, lozenges, sprays, or inhalators.

·         At UHNM we are working to make NRT free and available to every patient who needs it.

Varenicline

·         A tablet that reduces cravings and makes smoking less rewarding.

·         Often used as part of a 12-week programme with advisor support.

Cytisine

·         A plant-based medicine that works in a similar way to varenicline.

·         Has been used in Europe for many years and is becoming more available in the UK.

For people who already smoke, vaping can be a useful tool to help quit, and it is much less harmful than smoking.
⚠️ However, if you have never smoked, you should not vape.

A Smoke-Free Future at UHNM

UHNM will be become smoke-free in 2026

From 2026, smoking will no longer be permitted on any of our sites as part of our commitment to create a cleaner, safer, and more supportive environment for all our patients, carers, staff, and visitors.

As a Trust, we are dedicated to doing everything possible to help everyone stay healthy and fit by promoting positive lifestyle changes.

The Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill means smoking will no longer be legally allowed on hospital grounds, further reinforcing our efforts to support a healthier future for all.

Starting your quit journey now will not only help your general health and well-being but also prepare you for when smoking will no longer be allowed at our hospitals.

Take the First Step Today

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

If you are coming into the hospital and smoke, please let your healthcare team know. They will be able to refer you for free support and treatments to help you quit.

Ask your healthcare professional about stop smoking support at your next appointment.

Or self-refer today!

·         Everyone Health (Staffordshire): 0333 005 0095

·         Reed Wellbeing / Quit Smoking Stoke (Stoke-on-Trent): 0808 169 1869

Tobacco Dependency Team
We understand that stopping smoking is not easy, but we also know it is possible, with the right help and support. That's where we come in.
We are a team of trained, caring specialists dedicated to helping patients, visitors, and staff manage cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and, if they wish, take steps toward quitting smoking for good. 

What we do 

  • Provide personalised, non-judgmental support to anyone who smokes 
  • Offer Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), such as patches, inhalators, or lozenges, alongside expert advice 
  • Support people through a 12-week stop smoking programme, available free of charge to most patients 
  • Work closely with wards, clinics, and community services so no one has to go through the journey alone 

Why we do it 

UHNM is on the journey to becoming a smoke-free hospital site. This means we want everyone – patients, staff, and visitors – to feel comfortable and free from cravings or withdrawal symptoms during their time here. 

Most importantly, we strive to support any person who visits UHNM to stop smoking if they want to. If you are interested in stopping, please speak to your doctor, nurse, or any healthcare professional – they can connect you with our team. 

What makes the difference 

Research shows that combining NRT with behavioural support is the most effective way to quit. Our team is trained to guide you through cravings, triggers, and challenges, so that you feel supported at every stage. 

Real success stories 

At UHNM, we have proudly supported people who have smoked for over 30 years to quit. With the right support, anything is possible – and the improvement in quality of life can be life-changing. 

You don’t have to do this alone – we are here for you. 

 

Contact details

UHNM Tobacco Dependency Team

📍 Royal Stoke Inpatients: 07825 386125 
📍 County Inpatients: 07768 926526 
📍 Outpatients & Visitors: 07768 926537 

 

Useful links 

NHS Smokefree

Free NHS Quit Smoking app

  • You can download the app via the App Store or Google Play
  • Use it to help you quit smoking and start breathing easier
  • Track your progress, see how much you’re saving and get daily support
  • If you can make it to 28 days smoke-free, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good!