Ward smoking screening success in Barnsley

Screening for tobacco use on admission across our inpatient wards is an important initiative aimed at identifying patients who smoke as part of routine NHS care. This is the first step in treating tobacco dependency and supporting patients to stop smoking.

Barnsley has achieved great success in smoking screening rates for inpatient admissions, with consistent and significant improvements over the past year. They’ve reached an impressive milestone hitting the Trust’s target for 2024-25 and achieved 100% screened in recent months. This accomplishment has been recognised by the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), with the QUIT service securing funding in Barnsley.

Smoking is a leading cause of preventable and premature death and is a significant contributor to health inequalities. By embedding smoking screening into routine admissions care, Barnsley is taking a proactive approach to identifying and treating tobacco dependence, with the aim of enhancing health outcomes for our inpatients, improving public health and helping to reduce smoking related harm.

Professor Subha Thiyagesh, chief medical officer at South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This milestone is a testament to the incredible efforts and teamwork of our ward teams, the QUIT team, and the management throughout the Trust over the past year. It showcases the commitment of our staff and the strong collaborations we’ve built. Together, we are genuinely making a positive impact on the lives of our service users by addressing smoking as a significant health issue.”

“We’re committed to sustaining and improving our smoking screening rates, ensuring that every inpatient receives the necessary support for tobacco dependency and to quit smoking. This initiative not only benefits individual health but also contributes to the overall physical health and wellbeing of the Barnsley community.”