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Bridges Medical Practice
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NHS 111 - if it's less urgent than 999

BBC Health News

  • NHS plans 'unthinkable' cuts to balance books09 May 2025 00:20Diabetes care, rehab centres, end-of-life services and talking therapies at risk in England.
  • More blood victims will die without compensation - minister07 May 2025 18:15Extra sessions of the public inquiry into what's been called the worst treatment disaster in NHS history are taking place.
  • 'The NHS at its worst', ex-ombudsman tells inquiry06 May 2025 18:00Sir Rob Behrens says it was a "disgrace" how mental health services failed two vulnerable men.
  • Big baby trial gives pregnant women more choice 07 May 2025 09:10Doctors say women should be confident it's safe to be induced from 38 weeks, if expecting a large baby.
  • Plan to modernise 1,000 GP practice buildings06 May 2025 09:15The Department of Health and Social Care said it is the biggest public investment in facilities in England in five years.
  • 'Doctors told my mum poison symptoms were anxiety'07 May 2025 06:19Ellena Baxter says watching her mother's health deteriorate was devastating.

Smoking

Quitting Smoking

Smokers in Gateshead are being urged to quit to reduce the risks of severe symptoms if they get COVID-19.

Health staff from Bridges Medical Practice are joining calls from Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer for people smoking to try to quit to protect themselves and others.

We are now backing the #QuitforCovid campaign which was developed by a GP and is now being supported by the Smokefree Action Coalition led by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).

Smoking tobacco damages the lungs, weakens the immune system and causes a range of severe respiratory problems. Evidence so far suggests people who smoke may be at increased risk of severe disease if they get COVID-19.

We are getting calls every day now from smokers who are determined that they want to quit at this point in time.

Even if you've tried before and didn't manage don't give up on quitting because you can do it. Many smokers try several times before they succeed, but getting the right support and using stop smoking aids to help ease the cravings gives you a much better chance of success.

The Practice can support you with your quit attempt and we are currently providing telephone support to those who want to quit.

As well as reducing the risks from complications from coronavirus, quitting smoking quickly improves your circulation and your breathing. It also reduces the risks of other health problems such as heart attacks and strokes at a time when the NHS is coming under strain.

In the longer term quitting is also linked to reduced depression, anxiety, and stress and improved positive mood and quality of life compared with continuing to smoke.

For support, advice and free tools to quit smoking visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree or visit www.todayistheday.co.uk or use the NHS Quit Smoking app.

For more information on COVID-19 visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 or www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

Once smokefree, there are very real health benefits with the body continuing to repair the longer you stay smokefree. The immediate benefits include:

  • After 8 hours carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by more than half and oxygen levels return to normal.
  • After 48 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris
  • After 72 hours breathing becomes easier as bronchial tubes begin to relax
  • After 2 to 12 weeks lung function and blood circulation starts to improve, making physical activity like walking and running easier
  • After 3 to 9 months any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases further

 

"Since quitting, Ive got extra money to put towards a trip away". No smoking day 12th March

Stop smoking with Smoke Free 

Expert support that's proven to help 

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Go to: getmesmokefree.com, then enter your postcode.  

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1YGmxR2Zky/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Bridges Medical Practice

Trinity Square Health Centre, 24 West Street, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE8 1AD

  • 0191 300 9889
  • nencicb-ng.bridgesmedicalpractice@nhs.net
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