We are here to support you
Take control of your health and wellbeing by quitting smoking.
Smoking is a significant risk factor for serious health issues, including heart disease and lung cancer. By quitting, you’ll improve your energy levels, breathability, and overall quality of life.
University Hospitals Tees is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment, and quitting smoking is an important step towards achieving that goal.
We are here to support you every step of the way with resources and strategies to help you overcome the challenges of quitting.
Busted: myths about smoking
Smoking only affects the lungs
Smoking is a risk factor for at least 17 types of cancer, including bladder cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer
Smoking just a few cigarettes isn’t harmful
Yes, the more you smoke, the greater your lung cancer risk. But even just a few cigarettes a month may be harmful.
Nicotine is harmful
Nicotine is a very addictive substance, but it isn’t harmful. It’s the other ingredients and chemicals like carbon monoxide and tar in tobacco smoke that’ll cause serious damage to your health.
The damage is done, it’s too late to quit
It is never late to stop. Quitting now can have a significant impact on your health.
Within days of quitting, you’ll likely notice improvements in your breathing and senses, such as taste and smell. In just one year, you’ll reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
South Tees stop smoking support services
South Tees employees can self-refer to the community stop smoking support team.
Local stop smoking services provide free expert advice, support and encouragement to help you stop smoking.
These services are staffed by expert advisers who understand what its like to quit smoking and can provide a range of proven methods to help you quit.
They can also advise you on quitting aids and stop smoking medicines. and the ‘swap to stop’ vape scheme (prescription charges may be payable).
North Tees stop smoking services
The North Tees free support programme to quit smoking is open to all staff at the organisation. The team aims to provide onsite support at a time/venue to suit you where possible.
The 12-week quit plan includes:
- Behavioural support (in person or by phone)
- Free nicotine replacement therapy provided at appointments
- Option to quit with a free vape starter kit
For more information, please email [email protected] or telephone 01642 383813.
North East and North Cumbria ICB support
This free support is open to staff working in the NHS or social care (including voluntary sector) in the North East and North Cumbria. It offers:
- 24/7 digital support with SmokeFree
- Free nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or inhalators
- Free nicotine vapes and refillable liquids up to 12 weeks
For more information, and to sign up today, visit the NHS NENC Smoke Free referral website.
Please note: A work email is required to verify eligibility.
Other regions
For all other localities, self-referral information can be found here, along with tips to quit and information on different forms of Nicotine Replacement therapy:
Local stop smoking support