Pilot scheme gives hospital patients support to quit smoking
A PILOT scheme to help people visiting hospital take the first steps towards giving up smoking has been launched in Hastings.
East Sussex County Council has funded a tobacco dependency adviser for the emergency department at Conquest Hospital.
The new role means smokers have easy access to support to stop smoking or to manage their nicotine withdrawal, with Nicotine Replacement Therapy offered as soon as they are admitted to hospital. The adviser will also ensure continued support is available for people after they are discharged.
Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health at East Sussex County Council, said: “As well as supporting East Sussex Healthcare in their efforts to make hospital sites smokefree, the new adviser role means people admitted to hospital can take the first step to living a healthier life.
“Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, and the evidence shows that if a smoker makes it to 28 days smoke-free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.
“Stopping smoking can be tough but there’s no need to go it alone. It’s much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and we hope that the new adviser will give people the helping hand they need.”
He added: “This announcement of the new role comes after a very successful Stoptober in East Sussex where 290 residents set a date to quit smoking via One You East Sussex and will receive support to achieve their goal.”
Sarah Keeling, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Dependence Treatment Services at East Sussex Healthcare, said: "Giving up smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health, but we know it can also be one of the most difficult. That's why we're delighted to introduce a dedicated Tobacco Dependence Adviser within our emergency department at Conquest, helping us reach and support patients at a time when they may be thinking differently about their health and future wellbeing.
“Over the past year, our inpatient Tobacco Dependence Treatment Service has provided expert support to patients admitted to hospital, helping many people manage nicotine withdrawal, start treatment and take positive steps towards becoming smoke-free. The new emergency department adviser is a fantastic addition to that service, ensuring even more patients can access compassionate, specialist support, whether they are admitted to hospital or attending the emergency department.
"Every conversation is an opportunity to make a difference. By working in partnership with East Sussex County Council, we're making it easier for people to access the right support at the right time, improving health outcomes and helping more people live longer, healthier lives free from the harms of smoking."
The pilot at Conquest Hospital will be used to assess whether the approach could be used in other areas of the county.
Hastings has the highest prevalence of smoking in East Sussex with 14 per cent of adults in the borough smoking, compared to 11.4 per cent in Rother, 11.1 per cent in Lewes and 9.7 per cent in Eastbourne.
Advice and support to help quit smoking can be found at Stop smoking | One You East Sussex
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Tuesday, 10 November 2026