The pilot is based on the NICE guidelines on tobacco uptake, quitting and dependence, referenced in the NHS Long Term Plan, which establishes the smoking status of all admitted patients followed by brief advice, personalised bedside counselling, timely nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or pharmacotherapy, and follow-up after discharge.

The aim of the referral pathway is to ensure patients’ quit attempts are assisted following discharge with behavioural support and NRT product supply, which we know means that smokers are three times as likely to quit.

The new service creates additional capacity for smoking cessation support and is not a replacement for locally commissioned services which may be initiated in primary care.