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UCF Launch Locally Based Smoking Cessation Service
By Derval Keenan, 2/3/2005 4:40:31 PM
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Today, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF), in partnership with EHSSB, launched a locally based smoking cessation service to provide smokers with the motivation, support, and information they need to stop smoking.
The service is aimed at all smokers who want to quit with a special focus on the three target groups identified in the 1998 White Paper ?Smoking Kills? and subsequently the Northern Ireland Tobacco Action Plan (2003-2008); low-income smokers, pregnant smokers and young people.
The service offers both one to one and group support in a range of settings for example leisure centres, community centres, church halls, youth clubs, workplaces, health centres and GP practices.
Bernie Neeson, Central Service Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator, UCF said, ?Smokers are well aware of the health consequences of smoking, for instance lung cancer, heart disease and stroke, and this can make them want to stop. However, on a day-to-day basis, it?s often the smell, the mess, the expense and the feeling of being trapped, that makes people want out of smoking and we are here to help.
?People are more comfortable accessing services within their own area rather than travelling outside it, particularly in the evening. Therefore UCF?s Smoking Cessation Clinics are run weekly at convenient times, including out of hours provision to meet local need and support services are sustained over a period of time to provide long-term support and to aid relapse prevention.?
Guest speaker, Johnjoe Brennan, a diabetic and an ex-smoker for 8 months said, ?Last Christmas I woke up one morning to discover that I couldn?t see - everything was a blur. I was absolutely terrified and made an emergency appointment with an Eye Clinic, where I was told that I needed to stop smoking immediately. For the first time that the reality of the dangers of smoking, especially with a condition like diabetes, really hit home. I stubbed my last cigarette out and my eyesight improved quickly, however after 4 weeks I suffered a relapse. I then visited my local GP who referred me to a local Stop Smoking Support Clinic at the Montague Centre, Falls Road.
?With weekly counselling, support and patches I have overcome my smoking addiction. It was very difficult adjusting to life without cigarettes, but fear of being blind for the rest of my life kept me motivated and after just one week I noticed a real improvement in my eyesight.?
Nicky, McKee, Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator for the Eastern Health and Social Services Board stated ?Smoking kills between 2,700 ? 3,000 people each year in Northern Ireland. Approximately 70% of smokers indicate they would like to give up, however nicotine is as addictive as heroin so this can make quitting very difficult. The EHSSB commissioned UCF to facilitate the Central Smoking Cessation Service, to compliment the other smoking cessation services within the EHSSB area. The Central Smoking Cessation service has been popular with community groups and individuals. We hope that more additional clinics will be established in areas of identified need, to continue to provide smokers with support to help them quit?
The UCF Cessation Service is well positioned to support the Primary Care Team, developing new referral pathways to address smoking, by encouraging motivated smokers to attend smoking cessation clinics within their local community. UCF work with a wide range of health professionals who refer people to this service for example dentists, pharmacists, GP?s, nurses and many more.
UCF has a wealth of experience and expertise in tobacco control including a comprehensive range of training programmes in cessation and provision of tailored services for smokers.
For further information on UCF?s Smoking Cessation Clinic?s please contact Bernie on 028 9049 2007 or bernieneeson@ulstercancer.org or contact UCF?s confidential freefone helpline on 0800 783 33 39.
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For further information please contact Bernie Neeson, Central Service Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator, UCF on 028 9049 2007 or Derval Keenan, PR and Events Officer, UCF on 028 9049 2007 or 07812 525531.
Notes to Editor:
Smoking Cessation Clinics ? EHSSB
North and West
Springfield Road Surgery BT12 7AH
Thursday 6-30 ? 9pm
174 TrustDuncairn Avenue BT14 6BP
Tuesday 6-30 ? 8 ?30pm
Clifton Street Surgery BT13 1AD
Wednesday 2 ?5 pm
South and East
Market Community Centre BT7 2DN
Thursday 10am ? 12noon
May Street City Centre BT1 4NA
Thursday 12-30 ?2 pm
Down Lisburn
Footprints Women Centre BT17 0AR
Tuesday 6-30 ?8-30pm
Lisburn Health Centre BT28 1LU
Monday 1-5pm Thursday 6-8pm
Glenavy Family Practice BT29 4LN
Friday 4-6pm
Smoking in Pregnancy Clinic Cara House
Twinbrook BT17 0RL
Thursday 10-12 noon
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