the smokestop service
about our service
The service we offer is a friendly and professional one. It is our aim to guide and support smokers who wish to give up smoking.
We have two smokestop tutors in the practice, Jacky Wilkinson and Jayne Barnes. We can offer a series of appointments in the surgery on either a one to one basis or in a group setting.
how it is run
Once someone decides they would like to give up smoking, we suggest they pick up a copy of the leaflet “Stop Smoking, Start Living” from reception. This leaflet will start the thinking and planning process for preparing yourself to give up.
Once you have read this leaflet and feel that you are ready to start, contact the practice on 01258 474500 and ask for an appointment to see a smoke-stop tutor or the dates for the next group sessions being held, whichever of these would suit you best.
On your first visit we will ask you for a history of your smoking habits. If you do not already have the leaflet above we will give you a copy and tell you about the smoking diary and ask that you complete this and bring it back with you for your next visit. We will also take a carbon monoxide reading and record this in your notes to give you a baseline reading and to monitor your success. We can also discuss Nicotine Replacement Therapy or other forms of support that you might need. The most important aspect of this whole process is that we agree a plan of action that suits you.
If you are having one to one appointments with the smoke-stop tutor we would normally follow your first visit with two telephone follow up consultations (we can agree suitable dates and times to contact you at your initial consultation). During the telephone consultations we can work through your completed diary, discuss and agree a quit date and issue a prescription for Nicotine Replacement Therapy if required.
After approximately 4 to 5 weeks, we would normally arrange to see you again in the surgery to assess how you are doing and to check if there are any complications with any prescriptions issued. At this visit we would record your carbon monoxide levels which having stopped smoking should return to normal.
If you would prefer to attend a group, these normally run for 6 sessions, in an evening at the surgery once a week. Please contact either surgery to book your place on our next session.
Since the smoking ban was introduced in England in July 2007, the demand for Smoke-stop services has increased dramatically. You may have to wait a couple of weeks for an appointment with a tutor, please make the best of this time by reading through the attached smoking diary in preparation for your appointment or group session.
If you prefer you can also access Smoke-stop services in other areas – perhaps where you work, or at weekends if this is more convenient or via the Dorset Smoke-stop service. The full list of alternative services are available at www.dorsetsmokestop.co.uk or by calling (freephone) 0800 0076653. There is a wealth of information and support available to anyone considering giving up smoking. They also offer support online, you can email them at admin@dorsetsmokestop.co.uk for further information.
Practice Smokestop Service
Jan 2008
See Also: List of Services
