Helen Thomas, from Heaton Norris, who was admitted to the hospital for a hip replacement following a fall in July, was put in touch with the hospital's CURE Team. After nearly 60 years of smoking, she decided it was time to quit.
With advice and support, including nicotine patches, Helen successfully stopped smoking and has not had a cigarette since. She stated, "Nicotine patches have been the key for me, they’ve made a real difference and have made giving up much less of an ordeal. I’m really pleased that I asked the CURE team for help, they’ve been a great support."
Now retired from a career in finance journalism, Helen has noticed significant health improvements and substantial savings. She commented on the financial impact, noting that smoking nearly twenty cigarettes a day cost her over £100 a week.
Since its establishment in 2020, the CURE team has assisted over 1200 individuals in quitting smoking long-term. Collectively, these patients have saved an estimated £13 million, in addition to the considerable health benefits.
The team is part of the Greater Manchester-wide CURE project, offering comprehensive secondary care treatment for tobacco addiction. Hospitalised smokers are immediately offered specialist support, nicotine replacement therapy, and other medications during their stay and after discharge.
Anju Baby, CURE Specialist Nurse, expressed pride in Helen's achievement, stating, "Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it is one of the most important steps a person can take to improve their health. Supporting patients through that process is a valuable and rewarding part of our role, and it is great to see the positive difference it can make to their lives."
For further information on the CURE project, visit https://thecureproject.co.uk/. Those registered with a Stockport GP interested in stopping smoking outside of hospital can find resources at https://www.healthystockport.co.uk/topic/smoking or https://makesmokinghistory.co.uk/.
