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.

Important information for patients attending Gynaecology services
What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus
Most people will have HPV at some point in their lives

In most cases, the immune system clears HPV naturally
However, sometimes the virus stays in the body and can cause:

  • Abnormal cervical cells
  • Cervical cancer
  •  Vaginal and vulval cancers
How does smoking affect HPV?

Smoking makes it harder for your body to clear HPV. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals and nicotine. These chemicals:

  • Weaken the immune system
  • Reduce the body’s ability to fight infection
  • Damage cervical cells directly
  • Increase inflammation

This means:

  • HPV is more likely to persist
  • Cell changes are more likely to develop
  • The risk of cervical cancer increases
  • Treatment for abnormal cells may be less effective

Research shows that people who smoke are significantly more likely to develop high-grade cervical cell changes compared to non-smokers.

Stopping smoking improves your body’s ability to fight HPV.

Why stopping smoking matters, especially now

If you:

  • Have tested positive for HPV
  • Have abnormal smear results
  • Are under colposcopy follow-up
  • Have had treatment for cervical cell changes

Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your future cancer risk.

Quitting can:

  • Improve immune response
  • Reduce the likelihood of persistent HPV
  • Lower the risk of recurrence after treatment
  •  Improve healing

Even stopping for a short period makes a difference.

“But I’m stressed, how will I cope?”

Nicotine is addictive, but it is not what causes cancer.

The harm comes from tobacco smoke.

We can provide:

  • Nicotine replacement therapy (patches + fast-acting support)
  • Specialist behavioural support
  • Follow-up calls
  • Advice tailored to you

You do not have to quit alone.

How to get support at UHNM

If you would like help to stop smoking:

  • Speak to your gynaecology nurse or doctor
  • Ask for a referral to the Tobacco Dependency Team
  • Contact the on-site clinic
  • Community support is also available after discharge

Support is available for patients, staff and visitors.

The Evidence: Smoking, HPV and Cervical Cancer

National guidance and research clearly show that smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer and persistent HPV infection.

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme identifies smoking as a significant risk factor for cervical cancer.

  • Research shows that people who smoke are around twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to non-smokers.
  • Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to clear HPV naturally.
  • Harmful chemicals from tobacco smoke have been found in cervical mucus, meaning smoking directly affects cervical cells.
  • Stopping smoking improves immune function and reduces the risk of ongoing cell changes.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that all healthcare professionals use opportunities such as screening results, abnormal findings, and follow-up appointments to support people to stop smoking.

Stopping smoking is one of the most effective actions you can take to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

Why this matters if you are HPV positive

If you have tested positive for HPV or have abnormal cervical cells:

  • Quitting smoking increases your chance of clearing HPV.
  • It reduces the likelihood of further cell changes.
  • It may reduce the risk of recurrence after treatment.
  • It supports better healing following colposcopy or procedures.

Even stopping now, after a positive result, can make a difference.

 

 

 

 

 

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: 

Free stop-smoking support is available for inpatients, outpatients, visitors and staff at any of the Trust’s sites. You can self-refer for smoking cessation support by texting “QUIT” to 07768 926537 for free support. 

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.

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-lasting benefits:

  • Better recovery from surgery: wounds heal faster and the 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 well-being.
  • Protecting others: less exposure to harmful second-hand smoke for your family and friends.

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 

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. 

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. 

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 and support 
If you live outside of UHNM's immediate area or would like additional support, here are some trusted services: 

Staffordshire – Everyone Health

📞Phone: 0333 005 0095
📱 Text: QUIT to 60777

🌐 Website: www.everyonehealth.co.uk

 

Stoke-on-Trent – REED Wellbeing
📞 Phone: 0800 092 1199
🌐 Website: reedwellbeing.com/stoke 

 

NHS Smokefree

🌐 Website: www.nhs.uk/smokefree

 

Help Me Quit – Wales

📞 Phone: 0800 085 2219
🌐 Website: www.helpmequit.wales

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

    Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app on the App Store    Get the free NHS Quit Smoking app on Google Play