Healthier lives is aim of newly launched wellbeing service

Company news

Sep 30, 2015

A PORTSMOUTH healthcare centre is launching a new ‘wellbeing service’ aimed at helping the local population lead healthier lives and with a particular eye on helping people quit smoking during Stoptober.

Guildhall Walk Healthcare Centre in Guildhall Walk will be running the service from October 1. It has been commissioned by the public health team at Portsmouth City Council and will focus on issues such as smoking cessation, alcohol misuse, mental health, healthy eating and fitness.

Kim Dennis, Service Manager at Guildhall Walk Healthcare Centre, said: “All GPs in the area will be able to refer their patients to the service. Our team will then work closely with the patient and devise a programme which will suit their individual requirements.

“Smoking and weight issues are the two biggest contributors to poor health so we will be particularly focusing on helping people with these. We won’t be adopting a one-size fits all approach. Each person’s issue or issues will be looked at and a specific approach taken.

“We use a person-centred approach and so we will support individuals with other issues such as housing, debt, skills and employment if these are barriers to them adopting healthier lifestyles.

We also support people to have enhanced mental wellbeing, for example through social networks, volunteering, community activities and resilience skills.

“Our extended opening hours at the centre also makes it easier for us to provide help at a time which is convenient for the patient.

“Last year more than 160,000 people across the country successfully quit smoking for Stoptober, thanks to the wide range of quitting support on offer. With Stoptober you’ll have access to more support than ever before. We know a number of people are trying electronic cigarettes. I would encourage these people to still contact us so we can maximise the chances of people completely quitting rather than just swapping conventional cigarettes for the electronic version.”

Some of the benefits of stopping smoking are:

• Freedom from addiction to nicotine
• High levels of carbon monoxide will no longer be in your body
• Taste and smell improves
• Breathing becomes easier
• Energy levels increase
• Coughs and breathing problems improve
• Reduced risk of heart disease and other serious diseases
• More money in your pocket
• Fresh breath/whiter teeth
• Clothes/hair will no longer smell of smoke.

Guildhall Walk Healthcare Centre, which is run by Care UK on behalf of the local NHS, is open 8am-8pm, 365 days a year for walk-in patients. These extended hours have also made it a very popular choice with patients who have chosen it as their registered GP surgery. Further information about registering as a patient with Guildhall Walk Healthcare Centre can be obtained on 02392 751006.