More than 700 smokers in Walsall have been offered help to quit since the launch of a new service — with record-breaking results during this year’s Stoptober.

Launched in July 2025, Walsall Manor Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) Stop Smoking Service provides advice and guidance on tobacco use to patients attending the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre.

Following these conversations, more than 375 people have accepted an onward referral to their local stop smoking service, gaining access to 12 weeks of free, specialist support.

This includes one-to-one advice from trained stop smoking advisors, as well as access to free nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), regulated nicotine vapes, or prescription medication to help them quit for good. 

To mark Stoptober, the ED Stop Smoking Service hosted two promotional events on 9 and 22 October in the hospital’s reception area.

These encouraged patients, visitors and staff to learn more about the support available, while highlighting the health and financial benefits of becoming smoke-free.

The results speak for themselves — October saw a record-breaking 120 referrals, making it the service’s most successful month since launch.

Looking ahead, the team aims to reach 500 referrals before Christmas and is already planning a “New Year, New Smoke-Free You” campaign to inspire more people to make 2026 the year they quit for good.

Leah Smart, Lead Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator for the Emergency Department, said: “We’re thrilled with the response to our new service and the enthusiasm people have shown during Stoptober.

“Every referral represents someone taking a positive step towards better health, and we’re proud to be part of their journey.”

The ED Stop Smoking Service forms part of Walsall Council Public Health’s wider commitment to improving wellbeing and reducing smoking-related harm across the borough.