Stopping smoking

Stopping smoking before any planned hospital treatment is the best thing you can do for your health. It speeds up your recovery and has many other health benefits, as well as saving you money. Did you know that the average cost for a 20 a day smoker for one month is £380?

Help Me Quit, the NHS Wales stop smoking service, has facts and advice about quitting, including the amazing benefits that will help your body prepare for your treatment. Here are 5 easy steps to help you:

1. Try to quit at least 8 weeks before your treatment and stay smoke free afterwards. This will give you the most benefits.
2. Even quitting one or two days before treatment - and staying smoke free afterwards - reduces the risk of some complications and helps the body heal better and faster after your treatment.
3. It is really important not to smoke on the day of your treatment. People who continue to smoke are more likely to suffer complications.
4. Smokers are more likely to have chest infections and breathing problems, be at risk of blood clots and have wounds that heal more slowly following surgery than those who have quit.
5. If you are quitting with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) let your nurse or doctor know and they will make sure you have what you need during your stay.

The Help Me Quit Service is dedicated for people in Wales and you are four times more likely to quit with their help and support. You can call them on for free 0800 08502219 or go to their website