Arrowe Park Champions a Smoke-Free Future

On 1st October, Arrowe Park Hospital hosted a Stoptober stand, offering a unique opportunity for patients, staff, and visitors to receive expert smoking cessation advice and free Carbon Monoxide testing. Stoptober is a national campaign encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days in October, aiming to help them kick the habit for good.

The event at Arrowe Park Hospital supported this initiative by providing valuable resources and help for those looking to make a positive change in their lives. It also emphasised that the hospital is a strictly smoke-free site.

A Better Life Wirral (ABL), a leading provider of health and wellbeing services, was on hand to offer personalised advice and support to help individuals quit smoking.

Their team of experts provided practical tips and strategies to manage cravings, cope with withdrawal symptoms, and stay motivated throughout the quitting process.

Safwa Alsaden, a Specialist Tobacco Dependency Practitioner said: “When you stop smoking, good things start to happen – quitting will allow you to start moving better, breathe more easily, and give you more money to spend.”

In addition to the expert advice, attendees had the opportunity to undergo free Carbon Monoxide testing. This simple test measures the level of Carbon Monoxide in the body, providing immediate feedback on the impact of smoking on a person’s health. It’s a powerful tool to help individuals understand the benefits of quitting and track their progress.

Liz Jones, 75, has been smoking between 20 and 50 cigarettes a day since she was 14. Although she wants to quit, she acknowledges the immense challenge it presents.

“I’ve been smoking for nearly 50 years,” she shared. “It’s such an ingrained habit that the idea of quitting feels almost unimaginable. Stoptober reminds me that others have achieved the impossible, and the health and financial benefits make it worth the effort.”

Dylan Edwards, Divisional Director of Nursing and the Trust’s Smoke Free Strategic Lead, added, “At Wirral University Teaching Hospital, we prioritise the health and well-being of everyone. We urge all smokers to refrain from lighting up on our premises. Smoking not only harms your health but also affects those around you. This event was a significant step towards creating a healthier, smoke-free environment for all.”