Research study supports more smokers to quit for good

As Stoptober encourages people across the country to give up smoking, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GWH) is celebrating the success of its ongoing involvement in the SNAP-3 study – a national research project helping people to stop smoking during pregnancy.

The SNAP-3 study, which has been running at GWH since July 2023, explores how best to use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), such as nicotine patches, to help people quit smoking safely during pregnancy. NRT provides nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, making it a safer alternative that can ease cravings and make quitting easier.

To date, 16 participants have been recruited at the Trust, with many already seeing positive results. One of those is Sonia, who was supported through the study during her pregnancy. With encouragement from her midwife and her husband deciding to quit alongside her, Sonia has now been smoke-free for a year.

Sonia said:
“I never thought I’d be able to quit, but with the right support I did it. Not only are we healthier, but we’ve used the money saved through cigarettes to go on a family trip to Disneyland – and we’re already planning to go back this Christmas!”

The SNAP-3 study is one of 113 active clinical studies currently underway at the Trust, supported by the Research and Innovation (R&I) team. Over the past few months, the team has enrolled 123 new participants and launched six new studies, covering areas such as Cardiology, Oncology, Ear Nose & Throat, Paediatrics, and the Emergency Department.

The R&I team continues to bring innovative, high-quality research opportunities to patients, ensuring GWH remains at the forefront of studies that improve health and transform lives across Swindon and beyond.

This Stoptober, why not take the first step on your own quit journey? Learn more about local support through the Swap to Stop scheme: Swindon Stop Smoking – Swap to Stop