Pennine GP Alliance (PGPA) is excited to announce the successful launch and extension of its innovative Stop Smoking Service, developed in partnership with Calderdale Council and Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale.
This public health initiative is designed to offer additional local support for individuals looking to quit smoking, particularly within identified patient groups, while also working closely with local General Practice practitioners to refer patients into the service.
Funded by the Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant awarded by the Department of Health & Social Care, an initial six-month pilot ran from October 2024 to March 2025, focusing on a population health management approach, PGPA is pleased to report that the pilot has been a success, and the project has now been extended for another 12 months.
Ben: A Dedicated Stop Smoking Practitioner
The success of the pilot wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and commitment of Ben, PGPA’s dedicated Stop Smoking Practitioner. Ben has focused on the North and Central Halifax Primary Care Networks (PCNs), areas in Calderdale with the highest smoking rates. Over the course of the pilot, he provided patients with a comprehensive 12-week behavioural intervention, along with support through Nicotine Replacement Therapies and the Swap to Stop Scheme.
Ben, who trained as a Physician’s Associate at Hull York Medical School, expressed his excitement about joining the team. “I’m thrilled to be here and thankful to everyone who has made me feel very welcome,” he shared. His expertise and enthusiasm have made a significant impact, and he has already helped numerous patients on their journey to becoming smoke-free.
Wider Support from Personalised Care Teams
In addition to Ben’s work, PGPA partnered with Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale to upskill existing Personalised Care Team members from other PCNs, ensuring a wider reach and increased support for those trying to quit smoking. Rachael Morgan (Upper Calder Valley PCN), Matthew Morgan (Calder & Ryburn PCN), and Shabeena Kousar (Lower Calder Valley PCN) have all been instrumental in the project’s success. These team members have been actively referring patients to services such as Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale, local General Practice-based clinics, and the Swap to Stop Scheme. They’ve also been providing regular follow-up care to ensure that patients continue to receive the support they need.
Focusing on Key Groups
The project initially targeted smokers aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of asthma and anxiety or depression, a group identified in collaboration with Public Health. By providing personalised support, PGPA aims to help more people quit smoking, potentially reducing the frequency of respiratory tract infections and improving long-term health outcomes. This effort also seeks to reduce pressure on Primary Care services and help prevent future diagnoses of chronic conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
In a further boost to the project, PGPA has successfully recruited a second Stop Smoking Practitioner to expand its reach. This new practitioner will focus on the Upper Calder Valley, Lower Calder Valley, and Calder and Ryburn PCNs, continuing the mission to improve health outcomes across the borough.
What’s Next
PGPA is excited to see the positive impact of this extended project and is looking forward to supporting even more patients on their journey to quit smoking. For those interested in quitting, the Stop Smoking Service is available to offer help and guidance. For more information about the service, individuals are encouraged to visit PGPA’s website here.