Lancashire Care supports new NHS Smokefree Pledge

LANCASHIRE Care NHS Foundation Trust has reiterated its commitment to remain a smokefree organisation by recently signing a new NHS Smokefree Pledge to help staff and patients alike quit smoking.

The new pledge builds further on the NHS Statement of Support for Tobacco Control that the Trust signed up to in 2015 and after which the Trust introduced its Nicotine Management Policy to become smokefree. Smokefree Action Coalition launched the NHS Smokefree Pledge earlier this year as a clear and visible way for NHS organisations to show their commitment to help smokers quit and provide smokefree environments. It has been endorsed by Public Health Minister Steve Brine and the Chief Executives of NHS England and Public Health England.

Max Marshall, Medical Director at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:- "Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to sign the NHS Smokefree Pledge which supports the commitments made in the Tobacco Control Plan for England. The plan sets a number of ambitious targets to reduce smoking prevalence as we head towards England's 1st smokefree generation. Smoking is the leading cause of premature death and disease and kills 79,000 people in England every year. We are determined to help as many smokers to quit as possible, improving their health and reduce the smoking burden placed on the NHS. Whilst the Trust is raising awareness of the dangers of smoking, Lancashire Care also provides support and advice for anyone who would like to take the 1st steps towards a smokefree future. Advisors from the Trust's Quit Squad are available for friendly advice and support."

The Quit Squad is at hand across Lancashire to provide friendly advice for anyone who would like to quit smoking for good. The service Squad can be contacted by calling Freephone:- 0800328 6297 or visiting:- QuitsQuad.NHS.UK for further information and to access the online self referral form.

Jake's cool idea for children's quiet room

CHILDREN helped design a new Hospital quiet room for young patients who need a calming environment. The:- "Chillaxation Room" was named by Jake Jones, from Skelmersdale, who is a member of the West Lancashire Children and Adolescent Mental Health patient group. Their ideas were incorporated into the final design of the room.

"The name just popped into my head," said Jake, 13, who attends Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Skelmerdale. He joined staff and other members of the group to mark the opening of the Chillaxation Room in the children's department at Ormskirk Hospital.

The room, which includes a TV, sensory toys and decoration, has been fitted out with support from the NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group and Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Fiona Short, Paediatric Liaison Nurse, said:- "We are very pleased with the room now it is finished and thank the participation group for their ideas and input. We have had good feedback from children and families who have used the room so far."