Blog: Patient Julie writes about how Trust staff helped her quit 40-a-day smoking habit
On Stop Smoking Day, Julie - who was admitted to one of our inpatient wards - has written a personal account of how she was supported by staff from the Trust’s Tobacco Dependency Service to quit her 40-a-day habit.
The Trust’s Tobacco Dependency Service is available to all patients who are treated at CPFT.
Prior to my admission to an older people’s ward, I smoked 40 cigarettes a day.
Following my admission, I was referred to the Tobacco Dependency Service for support to help with my smoking reduction or quitting.
Through the help and support from the TDS I am now a non-smoker.
My official quit date was 14 February 2025. I will never forget the date. How could I? It’s Valentines Day!
Now I am a non-smoker, I felt it was important for me to give some feedback on the benefits of quitting smoking.
I have become less breathless when I walk, my breathing is better. I don’t have that horrible smell of tobacco on my clothes or in my hair. I feel so much fresher in myself.
People have even commented on my skin looking much better. I can taste food and flavours again.
My tongue was a horrible brown, so much so that I hated people having to look into my mouth, for various appointments, such as dentist. However now my tongue is a lovely healthy pink colour.
I must not forget my fingers, they had tobacco stains, are now lovely and clean.
I’ve got a spring in my step and I am so proud of myself.
I feel good physically in myself, I’ve not felt as good as this for a long time.
The money I’ve now saved is going to go towards a holiday in Norfolk, which I think I more than deserve.
I want to finish by thanking the TDS for their support, especially Wellbeing Co-ordinator Nora O'Shea (pictured with me) for supporting me on my quit journey.
Julie
ENDS
For more information contact: communications@cpft.nhs.uk
