22.4.20 Smokefree Hampshire Important Covid-19 update
News
Smokefree Hampshire want to reassure you that our teams are working remotely and flexibly to continue to offer virtual and telephone support to those who wish to stop smoking during this time.
You can continue to securely refer clients to Smokefree Hampshire directly via:
- Smokefree Hampshire referral form on EmisWeb, Qmasters
- Electronic referral form at www.smokefreehampshire.co.uk
- Referral form sent via NHS email to Smokefree.hampshire@nhs.net
Smokers will receive 12 weeks of an evidence-based smoking cessation intervention which includes behavioural support in combination with a pharmacological product; we can provide a direct supply of NRT, e-cigarette voucher or letter of recommendation for Champix.
Alquetani et al (2020) available at https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.25.20043745v1 concluded from a systematic review and metanalysis of 15 studies that
The calculated relative risk (RR) showed that current smokers were 1.45 times more likely [95% CI: 1.03-2.04] to have severe complications compared to former and never smokers. Current smokers also had a higher mortality rate of 38.5%.
The current concern about the covid-19 epidemic provides a “teachable moment” in which smokers may be uniquely receptive to stop smoking advice.
If you would like to get in touch
with the team or have any queries about the service, please contact chris.mcmahon1@nhs.net or Smokefree.hampshire@nhs.net.
