Walsall Stop Smoking Service runners up in top award

Walsall’s Stop Smoking Service (WSSS) has being celebrating after been nominated for a top award. WSSS was nominated for the award for their role in developing and implementing a Locally Enhanced Service (LES). The LES aims to improve the effectiveness of Walsall’s stop smoking service by increasing the number of advisors and creating increased access across the borough. The Guidelines in Practice Awards which, took place on 9 November at the Landmark Hotel in London, are held every year to recognise implementation of new initiatives within the NHS.

Joanna Robinson, Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator, Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust said: “We provide smoking services in a variety of settings to enable people that want to quit easy access to the service. Each year we are increasing the number of advisors and the number of people we support to quit. Last year over 2000 people quit with Walsall Stop Smoking Services.”

Since implementation of the LES in 2003/2004 there was a 104% increase in the number of quit dates set compared to 2002/2003.  Improvements in service uptake of primary care based smoking cessation services continue to be demonstrated year on year since the introduction of the guidance.

For more information about WSSS or if you would like to quit call 0800 169 9346