National No Smoking Day: Wednesday 12 March
Smoking rates remain significantly higher amongst individuals with mental health issues. Quitting, however, can improve both physical health and mental wellbeing.
Identifying the smoking status of all inpatients and offering prompt tobacco dependence treatment to all smokers remains a priority for South London and Maudsley Trust. As outlined in the Trust’s Aiming High, Changing Lives Strategy, we aim to reduce inpatient smoking rates to just 15%, which better aligns with that of the national average (11.9%).
To mark National No Smoking Day, the Trust's Smoke Free team will be hosting educational stalls and ward-based activities to raise awareness about the importance of quitting smoking, especially for those with mental health conditions. The team of Tobacco Dependence Advisors will be promoting access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), vaping options and offering behavioural support. The team invites all patients, staff and visitors to join them to learn more about our Smoke Free initiatives and explore the help available to make a positive change.
If you work for the Trust or care for a patient and would like support, please email us at smokefreeready@slam.nhs.uk
To find your local, free stop smoking service, visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/find-your-local-stop-smoking-service/ or download the NHS Quit Smoking app.
Through-out Wednesday, the Smoke Free Team will be hosting a range of pop-up stalls and educational activities across directorates. For more event information, please download this event calendar: National No Smoking Day Event Calendar
