Health innovation networks have launched a new programme to optimise tobacco dependency support for patients across the West of England and the East Midlands.

Working in partnership with Health Innovation West of England, we are launching a transformative new programme designed to tackle tobacco dependency by improving access to hospital-based tobacco dependency services and community support.

Operating initially across our two regions, the initiative aims to optimise the existing NHS Model Tobacco Pathway by using digital technology to increase inpatient engagement with stop smoking services and smoking cessation medications.

Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death in England, claiming approximately 64,000 lives annually and contributing to over 100 different diseases. While smoking rates have declined to around one in ten adults, progress is currently slowing, threatening the government’s ambition for England to create a smokefree UK.

A central pillar of the new programme is the integration of digital patient messaging systems (SMS) to ensure equitable access to cessation support. By enhancing these pathways, the programme aims to support patients not only during their hospital stay - a pivotal moment when individuals are often more open to making healthier choices - but also through the critical transition back to their communities.

The programme will focus on:

• Improving engagement: using automated data collection and SMS to follow up with patients who may have opted out of support while in the hospital.
• Increasing access to medication: streamlining referrals for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and first-line treatments recommended by NICE, such as Varenicline and Cytisinicline.
• Bridging the gap: Establishing cross-sector agreements between NHS trusts, local authorities and community services to ensure no patient ‘falls through the cracks’ after discharge.

Find out more and watch the launch webinar.

Read launch news article.