Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is inviting local people to attend a free talk where they can learn more about collaborative working between the Trust and its local partners on tobacco control and alcohol misuse prevention in Swindon.
Smoking continues to be the biggest preventable cause of ill health and early death. In Swindon, over 17.7 per cent of people continue to smoke which is 3.3 per cent above the national average, according to statistics from Public Health England.
The Trust’s Smokefree Working Group and Swindon Borough Council’s Public Health Team will be offering attendees some insight on their strategic priorities over the next five years to reduce the number of people who smoke, the harm caused by tobacco use and create a smokefree Swindon.
Chris Woodward, Public Health Programme Manager at the Swindon Borough Council said: “We understand that smoking is an addiction and quitting is neither easy, nor an overnight process. That is why we continue to work collaboratively with the local hospital, GPs and pharmacists to provide a range of smoking cessation support that’s easily accessible.
“By engaging with our local community, we hope to share the support that’s available to those who want to quit and to start normalising a smokefree Swindon from one generation to the next.”
Stephanie Taylor, Cardiac Rehabilitation Sister and the Trust’s Smokefree Lead added: “A key part of my role is helping patients to make lifestyle changes that will help improve their heart health, which includes supporting them to quit smoking.
“However, it’s equally important to have these conversations with young people and adults who are not in hospital, to reduce preventable illnesses and hospital admissions.”
Attendees will also hear from Ian Mitchell, Substance Misuse Liaison from Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust about the support being offered at the Great Western Hospitals for those struggling with alcohol and drug addictions.
“A lot of people regularly consume alcohol but many do not realise the extent of their consumption, so I will be talking about some of the indicators of alcohol misuse, withdrawal symptoms, screening and detox programmes,” said Ian.
The free talk will be held at 6.00pm on Thursday, 25 July in the Academy at The Great Western Hospital, Marlborough Road, Swindon. Refreshments will be provided, for a small donation to Brighter Futures, the Trust’s fundraising charity.
Anyone is welcome to attend and there is no need to register in advance.
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