For Hartlepool man John Kenny, the inspiration to quit smoking was simple – hearing the news his son needs a lung transplant.
On learning his eldest was seriously ill and would be placed on the transplant waiting list, John knew he had to make some changes in his life.
The 66-year-old retired bricklayer had made several attempts to kick his 20-a-day habit but now he had a real reason to focus.
Specialist tobacco dependency team
But quitting smoking isn’t easy and John still struggled.
While in the University Hospital of North Tees having his gall bladder removed last year, John went into respiratory failure, likely contributed to by his long smoking habit and years of breathing in dust on building sites.
While recovering in hospital, John was referred to North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s specialist tobacco dependency team. With the team’s support, John smoked his last cigarette on 30 September 2022, quitting as part of the annual Stoptober campaign.
John said: “I had to quit. I just had to. How can you smoke when you know your son needs a lung transplant?
“It’s not easy to pack in smoking. It’s hard and I’d tried a few times before.
“I use a vape now, a no-nicotine vape, and that really works for me.”
Active
While still feeling the impact of his illness, John is more active than before and enjoys spending time with his partner, his two grown sons and his three dogs Ben, Kal and Ted.
Having more money to hand also has its benefits. John commented: “I think I just spend more on the dogs!
“But I have managed to buy myself a new mobility scooter and me and some friends love going for a ride down Seaton Carew beach. We went to the Hartlepool Tall Ships and had a great time.
“I’d struggle to do any of that if I was still smoking.
“I love the fresh air when I’m out and about.”
Take it day-by-day
While on the ward, John was identified as a smoker, and referred to the Inpatient Tobacco Dependency Team by the ward staff. This is now a standard part of routine hospital care for all smokers.
Julie Bardsley, tobacco dependency specialist lead, said: “Well done to John!
“He’s worked really hard to quit and I’m so proud of him and the team who have supported him.
“No one would pretend quitting smoking is easy. Even now, John says he misses that first cigarette of the day, but he has found how to manage that craving and get past it. Taking it day-by-day is key.
“How John found the strength to do this while dealing with his son’s illness and his own condition is just incredible. He’s been so brave and strong and he’s such a character that the team have really enjoyed working with him.”
Personalised care plan
Automatic referral for all identified smokers into the service allows the ideal opportunity to initiate abstinence from Tobacco with Nicotine Replacement Therapy and behavioural support.
A specialist advisor creates a personalised care plan, following a 40-minute discussion, in agreement with the patient.
In John’s case, Nicotine Replacement Patches and a Vape were chosen as being the most effective support aids.
The team also act as a crucial link in referring into community Stop Smoking Services to initiate quit plans.
John has made incredible progress following discharge with the initial support of Smoking Cessation Service available at ASDA Community Pharmacy in Hartlepool, with an offer of additional support from Hartlepool Support Hub.
This model of care is extremely successful in increasing the likelihood of a continued quit attempt on discharge, and has been adopted nationally to reach our collective aim of a Smoke Free UK by 2030.
A new start
Ailsa Rutter, OBE, Director of Fresh and Balance, said: “This Stoptober you can do it.
“It’s a chance for a new start. Believe in yourself and get the right support to beat the cravings; it can make all the difference.
“There are so many benefits to quitting smoking, and it is never too late as your body starts to recover. Within weeks, you feel fitter and can breathe easier. But as the weeks and months go by, you reduce the risk of a life-altering disease.
“Within a few weeks, you can feel calmer and less stressed.
“Quitting is also good for your family finances; it might not solve your money worries, but it will ease them.”
Get help quitting
As well as providing support for inpatients, the Trust has services to help people in the community quit smoking for good.
The annual NHS Stoptober campaign runs every October and provides support for smokers to quit for good. Studies show any smoker who quits for 28 days is five times more likely to give up for good.