- Address: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals,
What we do
Most people know that smoking is bad for our health but not exactly how it might affect us.
Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable illness and death, with around 64,000 people dying as a result of smoking every year. Smoking is linked to cancer, heart attacks, blood clots, strokes and severe lung conditions and increases the chances of dementia, depression, anxiety and many other illnesses.
Quitting smoking is much easier when you have the right support. In fact, with professional or expert help, you're three times more likely to quit for good.
Local Stop Smoking Services are developed by experts and ex-smokers and delivered by trained advisers.
These advisers understand exactly what you're going through and know how challenging quitting can feel.
Stop smoking support
One You Kent: 01323 404 600 / oneyou.kent@nhs.net
One You East Sussex: 0300 123 1044 / hello@oneyoueastsussex.org.uk
Inpatients
Aside from the risks to your health, smoking also slows down your recovery from operations. It slows wound and bone healing after surgery and increases the chance of infection and re-admission.
If you are admitted to our hospitals as an inpatient our teams will ask you about your smoking habits and start treating your nicotine cravings on admission – we have a specially trained team of Tobacco Dependency Advisors ready to help.
While you are with us we can support you tp manage tobacco withdrawal symptoms or helping you to stop smoking permanently.
For more information email mtw-tr.tobaccoadvisors@nhs.net or call 01622-228524/ 228525.
Pregnancy
Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life.
It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it’s never too late to quit.
Stopping smoking will help both you and your baby immediately. Harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, and other damaging chemicals will clear from your body.
When you stop smoking:
- you will reduce the risk of complications in pregnancy and birth
- you are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby
- you will reduce the risk of stillbirth
- your baby is less likely to be born too early and have to face the additional breathing, feeding and health problems that often go with being premature
- your baby is less likely to be born underweight: babies of women who smoke are, on average 200g (about 8oz) lighter than other babies, which can cause problems during and after labour. For example they are more likely to have a problem keeping warm and are more prone to infection
- you will reduce the risk of cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome.
Our team of specially trained Smoke-free Pregnancy Advisors are available to offer support and guidance for giving up smoking during your pregnancy. Email mtw-tr.smokefreematernity@nhs.net.