Massive congratulations to the Smokefree Team

Posted 17th May 2018

The Smokefree Team has been shortlisted for a Chief Allied Health Professions Officer’s Award in the category of NICE into Action. The category recognises translating policy into practice for patient benefit.

Research shows that smoking during chemotherapy and radiotherapy can have an impact on side effects and the effectiveness of treatment so the Smokefree Team developed a new smoke free policy for the Trust to put guidance and evidence into practice.

A three month pilot started in March 2018 in radiotherapy. Radiographers discuss with patients the impact smoking will have on treatment and offer a range of nicotine replacement products, along with a referral to a smoking cessation service.

Danny Hutton, Change Manager, PropCare , said: “I’m delighted that our work has been shortlisted, and especially pleased it is in a category that recognises translating policy into practice for patient benefit. A lot of hard work has been put into this project and by working in partnership with PharmaC, Wirral Borough Council, ABL Wirral and other local smoking cessation services, we are able to offer advice, nicotine replacement therapy and a referral to an existing service.”

The awards ceremony will take place in June – Good luck from everyone at the Trust.