Quit Smoking at the Maudsley Olanzapine Clinic
At Maudsley Hospital, a new initiative is underway to support patients in their journey to quit smoking. The Trust's Tobacco Dependence Advisors (TDAs) have started attending weekly sessions at the olanzapine clinic, offering personalised smoking cessation interventions to individuals during their appointments. This effort aligns with our commitment to reducing smoking rates and addressing health inequalities among the people we serve.
So far, the presence of the TDAs at the clinic has proven effective in reaching smokers who might not otherwise engage with traditional Stop Smoking Services. For individuals managing serious mental illness, quitting smoking can be particularly challenging due to limited access to the right support and treatment options. Despite this, evidence shows that people with serious mental illness are just as motivated, if not more, to quit smoking compared to the general population.
How the Service Works
The TDAs collaborate closely with the clinic’s healthcare professionals, who conduct routine physical health assessments. When a patient who smokes is identified, they are referred to the Smokefree Team for support with either reducing their tobacco use or making a quit attempt. The TDAs often follow up with patients on the same day, providing immediate assistance when possible.
"Our approach is very flexible, unlike some traditional Stop Smoking Services. Not everyone is ready to just quit" say Gill and Andrea, Southwark TDAs.
"Meeting patients in person allows us to build a rapport, which is key to creating personalised treatment plans. These plans may include trying out a vape, discussing previous attempts to cut down, or setting a quit attempt. We often work with individuals for up to 12 weeks to support their journey."
Patient Success Stories
Several success stories highlight the positive impact of this initiative:
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One patient , who had been smoking for over 40 years, managed to reduce their tobacco use from 60 roll-ups a day to complete abstinence for over four weeks. Initially, their goal was to cut down gradually and save money. They now proudly share that, although they're not saving much money, it's because they are finally able to afford to buy themselves food.
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Another patient had previously sought help from a Local Authority Stop Smoking Service but started smoking again while still receiving support. Embarrassed and afraid of judgment, they didn’t disclose their relapse to the service. However, they now appreciate the flexible, non-judgmental approach of the TDAs, who have helped them feel more comfortable in making another quit attempt.
What Staff Are Saying
Fatou, the clinical charge nurse at the olanzapine clinic, explains the convenience of having the TDAs on-site:
"Our patients often missed out on smoking cessation support because the idea of reaching out to another service or speaking over the phone felt overwhelming. Now, those who want to quit can access help in a familiar environment while waiting for their appointment. It’s made a real difference."
The introduction of TDAs at the Maudsley olanzapine clinic is helping bridge the gap for smokers who need support, providing care that is flexible, patient-centred, and accessible. If you or your team have ideas for how we can extend this support to more people, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at smokefreeready@slam.nhs.uk .
