“I am stronger than I thought.”

10 March 2015

Janet Peynado decided to give up smoking two months ago while recovering from breast reconstructive surgery at the Royal Free Hospital.

“I had previously lied to hospital staff about my smoking but while I was recovering I was worried about what would happen if I wanted a cigarette and couldn’t get outside to have one.

“When my pharmacist came round to see me I told him I was a smoker and he referred me to the smoking advisor. She came to see me that day and talked to me about my options and how she could help me.

“She has given me given a lot of support and advice and I check in regularly to update her on my progress. I am taking things one day at a time and know that if I need support I can call her.

“Since stopping I have twice been tempted to smoke; once when I was feeling stressed and the second when I was socialising with friends. On both occasions I resisted the urge by using positive self-talk and by telling myself that I did not need a cigarette.

“Since quitting my sense of smell is better and my taste buds are more refined. My face looks better, my skin is less dry and generally I feel much healthier.

“Using some of the money I would have spent on cigarettes I have bought myself a nice watch to remind me of my achievement.

“I keep looking at a picture of myself and my friend when we were smoking. We have both now given up and when I look at that picture I think about how far we have come. I didn’t think I could quit but I have learnt that I am stronger than I thought.”

The Royal Free London offers a specialist, friendly, confidential and responsive service to all patients, visitors and staff who want to quit smoking for good. Find out more about our stop smoking service.

Image: Janet Peynado

ENDS

Notes to editors

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published public health smoking cessation guidance specifically for hospitals, which includes offering support for people to stop smoking and making all NHS secondary care hospitals completely smoke free.

Smoke free policies have received widespread support. A 2011 YouGov poll found that 82% of people surveyed believed that having smoke free environments was good for the health of the population.

Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net or call 0207 317 7740