In line with guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) we became a smoke free trust from 1 January 2016. This means that you cannot smoke on any SWFT site.

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of death in this country, with two out of every three smokers dying from a smoking-related disease. To help individuals combat their tobacco dependence, our Trust launched a Tobacco Dependency Service in 2023 to assist inpatients who smoke in their journey to quit. The Trust has now enhanced the service further, becoming one of the first in the country to provide support during patients' pre-operative assessments—an essential appointment to determine fitness for planned surgery. Quitting smoking before surgery significantly reduces the risk of complications, including issues related to the heart, lungs, and wound healing, both during and after the procedure.

How the Pre-Operative Tobacco Dependency Service works

All patients undergoing a pre-operative assessment will be asked if they smoke and offered support from our Tobacco Dependency Service Nurse to help them quit, maximising the time they have to stop smoking before their operation.

Patients can choose between face-to-face or virtual appointments with our Tobacco Dependency Service Nurse, who takes the time to understand their individual needs. The nurse can organise nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for four weeks and provide ongoing support during this period. Afterward, patients are referred to our community stop-smoking service to receive continued support for a total of 12 weeks.

How the Inpatient Tobacco Dependency Service works

Our team visits hospital wards daily to assist inpatient smokers in quitting. They address triggers and habits, offering support and guidance about nicotine addiction before creating a personalised management plan.
 
Additionally, patients are referred to community services upon discharge to ensure they can continue their support. This comprehensive approach includes phone or face to face guidance with medications sent directly to their homes. Behavioural therapy is tailored to their needs.
 
Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial actions you can take for your health, and our Tobacco Dependency Service is here to support you to stop smoking.
 
For more information, please contact: TobaccoDependencyReferrals@swft.nhs.uk.

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health. When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair, and you will be able to breathe easier. There are lots of other benefits too – and they start almost immediately. It's never too late to quit. Let's do this!

Get free, confidential expert help from your local stop smoking service and boost your chances of quitting by three times.

Our free local services include support from qualified Stop Smoking Practitioners and access to stop smoking aids - NHS - Stop smoking aids.

How to refer to Warwickshire service

How to refer to Coventry service

  • Call 0800 122 3780
  • Email: info@hlscoventry.org
  • To make a referral, either for yourself or someone else, please complete the referral form. 

If you are pregnant and smoke

Please visit our local stop smoking in pregnancy services.

More information

Please visit Smoke Free Coventry and Warwickshire's website.