Bus drives locals to quit smoking

A health bus will be coming to Rochdale in January to help locals to quit smoking in 2013.

The bus initiative coincides with the national NHS Smokefree campaign, which aims to drive home the dangers of smoking and provides practical advice and support in the form of ‘Quit Kits’ to boost smokers’ motivation to quit the habit. These special kits are available free of charge from the Trust’s pharmacy partners who can also provide expert advice on stopping smoking.

Developed by medical experts, smokers and ex-smokers, the Quit Kit is packed with practical tools and advice including: A ‘Health and Wealth’ wheel to show the difference that quitting will make to an individual’s wellbeing and bank balance; a planner to help the person prepare to quit; information about stop smoking medicines; an addiction test; and a distraction tool.

In support of the Smokefree initiative, healthcare professionals from Pennine Care’s Health Improvement Team will be manning a bus at a number of locations across Rochdale between January 11 and March 22, offering local people health checks and support to help them stop smoking.

Ann Howarth, Stop Smoking Service Manager for Pennine Care, said: “Smoking now accounts for more around 400 deaths a year across Rochdale, with smokers being 40 times more susceptible to lung cancer than non-smokers. And as well as increased susceptibility to acute emphysema and bronchitis, heavy smokers have a 17 times higher risk of heart disease.

“Cigarettes contain so many harmful chemicals that even casual smokers should be concerned. Statistics highlight that only 5% of smokers actually have the will to quit the habit and research shows that smokers are four times more likely to quit using NHS support. Our aim therefore is to promote the Smokefree campaign by using the bus to help local people reach this difficult goal as well as to educate everyone about the dangers of smoking.”

For more information on the Smokefree campaign and the ‘one-stop bus’ events contact Ann Howarth on 0161 655 1555 or at ann.howarth1@nhs.net