More than 900 people have been referred for specialist stop smoking support since the launch of a new initiative.

The Emergency Department Smoking Cessation Service, delivered by the Trust’s Smoking Cessation Team in partnership with Walsall Council Public Health, offers support to patients attending the Emergency Department who smoke, helping them take the first step towards a smoke-free future.

Since launching, the team has made more than 900 referrals, giving hundreds of people access to specialist support and advice to improve their health and wellbeing.

Leah Smart, Lead Smoking Advisor for the Emergency Department at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “I am incredibly proud of our team and everything we have achieved over the past year. The support from colleagues across the hospital has been fantastic and has helped us build a successful pathway that has supported more than 900 people in our community.”

Following referral from the Emergency Department, patients are supported by Be Well Walsall and other services, which provide tailored stop smoking support to help people quit successfully.

Jess Bate, Stop Smoking Advisor at Be Well Walsall, said: “We have built a really close relationship with the Trust’s Smoking Cessation Team. Patients are referred directly to us, where we assess their needs and provide the personalised support that works best for them.

“Working together means patients experience a smooth pathway into stop smoking services, giving them the best possible chance of quitting for good.”

The service has been made possible through funding from Walsall Council’s Stop Smoking Grant, which has secured the service for the next five years.

Councillor Matt Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council said: “Reaching more than 900 referrals in the pathway’s first year is a significant milestone and shows the positive impact this partnership is having on the health of our residents.

“Every person who accesses support has the opportunity to make a life-changing decision to quit smoking, and we are proud to be working with our NHS and community partners to make that support more accessible than ever.”

Alison Yates, Tobacco Dependency Service Manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “This pathway is making a real difference by ensuring patients are offered support when they may be most motivated to quit smoking. Reaching more than 900 referrals in just one year is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment of everyone involved.”