New team helping mums quit smoking
A new team has been set up in Swansea Bay to help expectant and new mums quit smoking.
The Welsh Government funded pilot scheme will see three new Help Me Quit practitioners work alongside clinicians and midwives in Singleton and Neath Port Talbot hospitals’ maternity departments.
Their brief is to offer practical advice and behavioural support to anyone who wishes to quit the harmful habit.
They will also be able to handout nicotine replacement therapy, with patches and oral products being made available free of charge.
Besides the obvious health benefits that come with giving up smoking, the move brings Swansea Bay University Health Board in line with other health boards across Wales, and is a Tier1, Welsh Government priority.
Susan O'Rourke, SBUHB’s Living Well Service Development Manager for Smoking Cessation and Self-Management programmes, said the team is not judgemental and the offer of support would be made throughout the women’s journey.
She said: “When someone discovers they are pregnant they register their pregnancy online via Swansea Bay University Health Board’s Pregnancy Referral to Maternity Services form. Within that registration form you are asked if you smoke and if you would like support from the Help Me Quit Maternity service.
“If they say yes, we will contact them within 48 hours, and provide advice and support on smoking cessation.
“It’s a 12-week programme, which ensures alignment of support and standards with the national Help Me Quit programme. The support looks at the challenges faced to give up smoking, along with the biological and hormonal changes being experienced.
“Also, as part of the programme, you are able to obtain free nicotine replacement therapy, which is worth around £300, to help them give up smoking.”
The team is aware that not everyone will sign up straight away, but ensure every appropriate opportunity is utilised to discuss benefits of quitting and the options available.
Susan said: “We want to be supportive so they will be offered a referral into the service at every appointment they have throughout their pregnancy. Whilst in Hospital the team will support with co-monitoring, and nicotine replacement products in line with Swansea Bay smoke free site policy.
“There are also other choices of receiving support in the community, within the level 3 community pharmacy, or community venues. Some chose community or pharmacy support, as prefer to attend with their partner or family and friends.
Smoking accounts for 1 in 6 of all deaths and life expectancy amongst smokers is 10 years less than non-smokers.
Susan said: “Smoking is harmful and an addiction. Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and still births, as well as pre term births, low birth weight, and birth defects. Also increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome and asthma. It can also affect fertility.”
There is also the ongoing cost to the NHS, as smoking is the leading cause of preventable and early deaths in Swansea Bay.
Susan said: “We know that children who are brought up in smoking households are much more likely to be smokers themselves, and therefore these children may have future health implications.”
Sarah Williams, a smoking cessation practitioner, said she and her colleagues were looking forward to help people quit smoking.
She said “Helping pregnant women quit smoking is incredibly important to us.
“As a team, we know that giving up smoking during pregnancy isn't easy, but we are here to offer specialist behavioural support alongside nicotine replacement therapy to give pregnant ladies and their families as much support as possible.
“When a mother quits smoking, it's not just her health that improves—it has a positive impact on the entire family, especially the baby. Working together, we can create lasting change for future generations.”
Dr David Vardill (pictured centre above), a Consultant Physician for Respiratory Medicine gave his backing to the programme.
He said: “He said: “We are fortunate to have such an experienced and supportive Quit Smoking team.
“They already have a great track record for helping people stop. They never judge, but simply want to help people do something that will change their lives and the lives of their families for the better.
“Becoming pregnant is obviously a time in life when the importance of stopping becomes even more apparent for the expectant mum and unborn baby.
“It is great that the support for this important group of people has been strengthened in the Health Board.”
Emma Richards, Public Health Specialist Midwife, said the programme was a collaboration between the health board’s Public Health Team, Help Me Quit team, and maternity services.
She said: “We are delighted to be able to support pregnant smokers and their families within our maternity setting and help to reduce poor smoking related harms for mothers and babies.”
To refer into the Help Me Quit Maternity service please use this link https://forms.office.com/e/vdjUfBBGz4 alternatively the QR code
Main picture caption from left to right: Susan O'Rourke, Living Well Service Development Manager for Smoking Cessation and Self-Management programmes, Sophie Beynon, maternity smoking cessation advisor (MSCA), Ceri Gimblett, Service Group Director for Singleton and Neath Port Talbot Hospitals, Sarah Williams, MSCA, Emma Richards, Public Health Midwife, Caitriona Nelsey, MSCA, Catherine Harris, Head of Midwifery, and Sarah Gates, Strategic Planning Manager.
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