Health and wellbeing
Stop smoking project in Emergency Department reaches 500 referral milestone
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Over 500 individuals have been referred to local authority stop smoking services since the launch of the Emergency Department (ED) Stop Smoking Advice and Referral Pathway at Walsall Manor Hospital at the end of July 2025.
This milestone comes almost six months after the launch of the service (delivered by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and commissioned by Walsall Council Public Health), which was introduced to offer support to patients attending the hospital, and anyone accompanying them. The service ensures that smokers are offered evidence-based stop smoking very brief advice, including a referral to specialist stop smoking services for ongoing support.
“ Reaching 500 referrals in just a few months is an incredible achievement and shows the real appetite for change among our residents. It is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff and partners across local authority and health services.
We are determined to support people from all walks of life to quit smoking and improve their health. We encourage anyone who smokes or knows someone who does to take advantage of the free support available. “
The launch of the service was informed by growing evidence that delivering stop smoking interventions in emergency departments can significantly increase the chances of people quitting for good. A study summarised by NIHR Evidence found that emergency department-based interventions including advice, vape starter kits and onward referral led to higher quit rates compared with signposting alone.
“ We are delighted to have reached our goal of 500 referrals before Christmas. This reflects just how well the programme is working and how motivated people are to improve their health when offered timely support. Every referral represents someone taking a meaningful step towards a smoke-free future, and we are proud to have helped so many residents on that journey in such a short space of time. “
The Trust’s Tobacco Dependency Service has also reached a significant milestone, supporting 506 inpatients to remain smoke-free at 28 days and referring 1,282 smokers to community pharmacy and smoking cessation services since its launch in October 2022. This demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to tackling tobacco dependency across all care settings.
The work forms part of Walsall Council Public Health’s wider commitment to improving wellbeing and reducing smoking-related harm across the borough. With further integration of public health initiatives, awareness campaigns and ongoing support through local stop smoking services, the council aims to encourage even more residents to make 2026 their year to go smoke-free.
