We are The Christie magazine Oct 2025

Under the microscope

Smoking cessation service

We spoke to Charlotte Finchett, Health Improvement Manager about how The Christie’s smoking cessation and alcohol advice service is helping patients, carers and staff make positive changes.

(located on a specialist inpatient unit) for patients needing inpatient alcohol detox – the first time this has been integrated into a cancer care setting. Q: Why is it important to combine NRT with behavioural support? A: Research shows that using NRT alongside behavioural support significantly increases the chances of quitting successfully. By offering immediate access to both during outpatient appointments, we give patients the best chance to take control of their health and treatment outcomes. Q: Do you have a recent success story you can share? A: One patient was struggling with their smoking before treatment started. Getting support from us quickly meant they could go ahead with the surgery that saved their life. Stories like this show how prompt support can make a real difference to a patient’s journey and outcomes. Q: What added support is available? A: We work closely with the Chapman Barker Unit in Prestwich, a 36-bed inpatient detox centre specialising in complex alcohol and drug dependency. This ensures a seamless transition from detox to recovery. Thanks to colleagues in pharmacy, NRT can also be offered during outpatient and pre-operative clinics, inspiring other clinics to adopt similar approaches. Looking ahead, research is under way to evaluate the impact of this initiative, with feedback from staff and patients. Q: What do you find most rewarding about your role? A: Helping people feel empowered to make positive changes during such a challenging time is incredibly rewarding. Seeing their health improve and hearing them talk about how their lives have changed in ways they never imagined is what makes this work so meaningful. I love helping people change when they think it’s impossible. Being an ex-smoker myself, I’m addicted to my job now. How to access the service The team is based in the Oak Road area of The Christie (department 3), next to the wig room. You can self-refer, or a clinician can refer you. For more information, or to speak directly to a health advisor, call 0161 956 1215, 07392 278408 or 07483 278408 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).

Q: Can you tell us briefly what the smoking cessation and alcohol advice service offers? A: We provide specialist support for patients, carers and staff to stop smoking or reduce their alcohol intake. Our focus is on building resilience, reducing anxiety and promoting healthier lifestyle choices, especially during and after cancer treatment. The aim is to improve clinical outcomes while prioritising patient safety, experience and long-term recovery. Q: Why is it important for patients to stop smoking or reduce alcohol during cancer treatment? A: There are significant benefits. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol can improve wound healing, reduce the risk of infections, enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and lessen side effects like nausea. It also leads to better recovery and survival outcomes. Continuing to smoke or misuse alcohol can delay surgery, affect consent for your procedure or operation, and reduce the effectiveness of anaesthetics. Q: How can someone access the service? A: Our service is open to everyone – patients, carers and staff. Cancer affects more than just the person diagnosed, so we offer support to all who need it. Patients can self-refer, or clinical staff can refer via the intranet or internet under “smoking cessation” or by selecting alcohol or drug support. Staff are also welcome to use the service. Q: Have there been any recent developments or changes in the service? A: Yes. We’ve streamlined the process so nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can now be provided directly in outpatient clinics, removing postal delays and giving timely support for patients preparing for treatment. We’ve also rolled out added staff training to boost confidence in providing NRT during appointments. Commissioners have also funded seven RADAR beds

"I love helping people change when they think it’s impossible."

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