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

BBC Health News

  • West Nile virus detected in UK mosquitoes for first time21 May 2025 13:13A UK Health Safety Agency spokesperson said the risk to the general public is "very low".
  • World-first gonorrhoea vaccine launched by NHS England as infections soar21 May 2025 10:00The treatment will be offered to those most at risk from August after a record number of cases.
  • Attacked paramedics hope for swifter court justice21 May 2025 06:08Jacob Hoy, who was attacked while on duty, says ambulance staff need faster prosecutions.
  • Universities must do more to prevent suicides, ministers say21 May 2025 01:52The government wants universities to check the safety of halls and reach out to families after a death.
  • New brain tumour test a game changer, experts say21 May 2025 02:34Scientists say the new method can diagnose the exact type of tumour within hours, rather than weeks.
  • Nicotine pouches helped me quit vaping – but now I'm addicted21 May 2025 06:22Teenagers say it is easy to get hold of the products, which experts warn can be highly addictive.

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 

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

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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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