Hospital security staff have quit the dreaded weed!

Date published: 07/03/2006

Hospital security staff who have gone 'smoke free' themselves have got a simple message for Rochdalians for tomorrow's National No Smoking Day (Wednesday, 8 March):

Rochdale Infirmary went smoke free on 1 January, with staff no longer allowed to smoke on duty, and all patients being asked on admission if they wanted the chance to access quit smoking services.

But a trio of security staff have taken things one step further, and have quit the dreaded weed after being smokers for a cumulative total of  nearly 80 years!

Security officer George Ramsbottom, who was on around 14 cigarettes a day for 42 years, led the way, followed by team leader Dave Brearley (15 to 20 a day for 28 years) and security officer Karl Bannon.
 
All three used the support of local stop smoking services, and they all agree that the most important thing is to make up your mind and go for it.
 
The countdown to the move at the Infirmary was preceded by a high profile publicity campaign heavily promoting Rochdale's free NHS stop smoking service, who can be reached on 01706 708000.

George said: "Word was going around about the move being on the way, and I wanted to stop before it started! No-one in the family smokes, and I didn't need the patches. I just stopped."
 
Dave said: "I went to the smoking cessation service through my doctor's and used the patches for two weeks. I'm still seeing the smoking cessation service, who give lots of support."
 
Karl said: "My partner smokes at home, and I thought that could have been difficult, but she's been very encouraging. My advice is that you've got to be set for it. I set the day I wanted to quit on and stopped on that day. Just get a day in mind, and don't go back!"
 
Hospital staff are marking National No Smoking Day by distributing fruit to patients and staff, which has been donated by supplier Ron Chalker.
 
Rochdale's free NHS stop smoking services can be contacted on 01706 708000.