Posted on: 14 June 2019
The West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership is supporting a major new campaign to reduce smoking-related illness and deaths in the region. It’s a shocking fact that for every two people who smoke, one of them will die from a smoking-related illness. Don’t Be The 1 reminds smokers that it’s never too late to quit, and encourages them take the first step towards being a non-smoker, for their own sake and for their families.
Smoking increases the risk of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and cancer, but can also have a significant impact for patients who are going through planned care. Planned or ‘elective’ care is treatment that people choose to have to help manage a health problem, rather than treatment that is required urgently or in an emergency. Planned care includes scheduled operations such as hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery for example.
Non-smokers are far more likely to recover better after an operation than smokers. There is good evidence that stopping smoking before an operation reduces the risk of developing breathing problems. The health risks associated with being anaesthetised and from infections are also lower for non-smokers. In addition, non-smokers generally have shorter stays in hospital and their wounds tend to heal faster than the wounds of smokers who have a reduced blood flow and lower levels of oxygen in their blood.
Dr Matt Walsh is the Chief Officer for NHS Calderdale CCG and the Senior Responsible Officer for the Partnership’s Improving Planned Care Programme. Matt said:
“If you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you’ll ever do for your health, particularly if you are about to undergo planned surgery. No surgery is risk-free but you can reduce your level of risk by stopping smoking as early as possible before your operation. As a non-smoker, you’ll be more likely to have a successful outcome from your operation, and a healthier future.”
If you need support to help you quit, the Don’t Be The 1 campaign website here includes resources and information on how to quit smoking. You can also view some powerful real stories from smokers and their families.