What else can I use to stop smoking?The NHS Stop Smoking Services within the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are able to give advice on and give access to a number of Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) to help and support you in stopping smoking.

One product very similar to an electronic cigarette is the inhalator. This will help you with the hand-to-mouth habit of smoking, and will deliver clean, safer nicotine to help you stop smoking.

Electronic cigarettes do not get rid of the habit or addiction of smoking and you could be using one for a long time, as often no instructions are given on how to reduce your nicotine use so you can stop using it.

The initial cost of a cheaper electronic cigarette can be around £14. Licensed stop smoking medications are based on prescription charges, so support and treatment from an NHS Stop Smoking Service is free if you don’t pay for your prescriptions.

Where can I get extra support?Just give us a call and book an appointment. We can help you decide on the best treatment for you and get you started on quitting for good.

01253 951570 for Blackpool Stop Smoking Service

01524 845145 for North Lancashire Stop Smoking Service

Options availableIf you’d like a large print, audio, Braille or a translated version of this leaflet then please call: 01253 955588

Patient Relations DepartmentFor information or advice please contact the Patient Relations Department via the following:

Tel: 01253 955588 Email: patient.relations@bfwh.nhs.uk

You can also write to us at: Patient Relations Department, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool FY3 8NR

Further information is available on our website: www.bfwh.nhs.uk

Travelling to our sitesFor the best way to plan your journey to any of the local sites visit our travel website: www.bfwhospitals.nhs.uk/departments/travel/

Useful contact detailsMain Switchboard: 01253 300000

ReferencesThis leaflet is evidence based wherever the appropriate evidence is available, and represents an accumulation of expert opinion and professional interpretation.

Details of the references used in writing this leaflet are available on request from:

Policy Co-ordinator/Archivist 01253 953397

Approved by: Clinical Improvement CommitteeDate of Publication: 7/4/14Reference No: PL/854 (v3)Author: Claire JonesReview Date: 1/4/17

Electronic Cigarettes

what you need to knowThis leaflet was designed in co-operation with Cheshire & Wirral

Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 7254

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Hospital Stays Time in hospital is a good time to go smokefree and our staff are here to help and support you throughout your stay. All patients who smoke will be offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and if you would like support during your stay the Inpatient Tobacco Specialist Service will be available to visit at your bedside.

(B)

(C)(D)

Stopping Smoking

Stopping smoking is not always easy and it can sometimes take a few tries.There are lots of ways to stop smoking, but it is about fi nding the one that works for you.

Getting support from an NHS Stop Smoking Service could mean that you are 4 times more likely to succeed. NHS Stop Smoking Services can offer you the support and treatment that is often needed to help people stop for good.

What are electronic cigarettes?Electronic cigarettes are designed to look and feel like real cigarettes. A typical electronic cigarette consists of four components: an LED Electronic light (A), a battery (B), an atomizer (C) and a cartridge containing nicotine (D).

Nicotine is an addictive stimulant that smokers are used to receiving and is part of the reason why they fi nd it diffi cult to quit. The level of nicotine in the cartridge can vary and some also contain fl avourings. When you suck on the device, the nicotine is vapourised by a heating element, delivering it to the smoker.

Are electronic cigarettes safe?While electronic cigarettes may be safer than conventional cigarettes, we don’t yet know the long-term effects on the body. There are also other potential drawbacks to using them:

• Electronic cigarettes are not regulated as medicines so you can’t be sure of their ingredients or how much nicotine they contain – regardless of what it says on the label.

• They are not proven as safe. In fact, some electronic cigarettes have been tested by local authority trading standards departments and been found to contain toxic chemicals, including some of the same cancer-causing agents produced from tobacco.

• The vapour that electronic cigarettes produce may reduce the oxygen levels in your body.

Are there other risks?There have been some house fi res in the country that were caused by electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarette batteries need to be recharged, often using a USB port on a computer. Some low quality electronic cigarettes have overheated and exploded; causing very hot components to land on soft furnishings; starting a fi re.

It is very important that you do not leave an electronic cigarette unattended or on charge for long periods of time, for example overnight.

Why can’t I get an electronic cigarette on prescription?As there is no medical evidence on how electronic cigarettes can be used to stop smoking they aren’t available on the NHS. At present, they are being thoroughly researched by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) as they are unregulated and unlicensed in the UK.

New legislation will be adopted in 2014 so that all nicotine containing devices, like electronic cigarettes, are regulated as a medication in the UK by 2016. This will ensure that all products containing nicotine are safe, are of the right quality and work.

So far there is no proof that electronic cigarettes can help people to stop smoking:

• They should not be used in pregnancy.

• They are not to be used by anyone under 18 years. (A)