The Crane Unit developed and implemented a resource
package specially adapted for people with learning
disabilities to help them to give up smoking.
The resource pack was developed in conjunction with the
Northamptonshire Teaching PCT Stop Smoking Service and
to date 13 clients have used the programme with four of
them giving up smoking for at least three months.
Senior Community Nurse, Sue Hewitt undertook the
Intermediate Smoking Advisor training and realised that
there was little material around to help people with
learning disabilities to give up smoking. She led a group to
look at what resources were available to the general public
and adapted them for people with learning disabilities.
People with learning disabilities were involved in
developing the easy read list of the benefits of giving up
smoking and were consulted over developing symbols,
flash cards and relaxation tapes. The pack and resources
were launched at the ‘It’s my health day’ which was
attended by people with learning disabilities, their carers
and professionals.
The pack includes information on every stage of giving up
smoking – Thinking about stopping, Preparing to stop,
Stopping, Staying stopped and Relapsing. The team also
bought a Carbon Monoxide monitor that is a very useful
visual aid for people with learning disabilities. All staff
receive a training session on the use of the pack before
they can go on to use it.
The pack, programme and care plan have now been
adapted to help clients of mental health services for older
people. An unexpected benefit has been the interest it has
generated among carers in trying to quit smoking
themselves.
For more information on this project, please contact:
susan.hewitt@nht.northants.nhs.uk
