Tobacco & Alcohol Care Team (TACT)
We are a team of specialist nurses and advisors who provide assessment, interventions and advice to patients, family, caregivers and other Health Professionals regarding tobacco and alcohol-use disorders. This service is provided over a seven day period from 8.30-16.30 throughout the year at Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley & South Ribble Hospital.
As part of any patients’ hospital admission or outpatient appointment, you can now expect to be asked questions about whether you smoke and your alcohol intake. This is part of the clerical process and is not to cause any offence.
The screening tool we use to assess alcohol consumption can help staff identify patients whose alcohol use may be putting their health at risk, and those who may benefit from a referral to the TACT service.
If you smoke you will be offered nicotine replacement therapy and a referral to TACT. This is to help you stop smoking should you wish to do so or to assist with temporary abstinence whilst you are a patient. Both RPH and CDH are smoke free sites, smoking is not permitted anywhere within the grounds or buildings
lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk/smoke-free-site
If you feel you would like to speak to our team whilst you are in hospital, please make this known to a member of the ward staff who will contact us directly.
People who attend the Stop Smoking Service are four times more likely to quit smoking successfully.
For more information, visit Smokefree Lancashire at https://www.smokefreelancashire.org.uk/ or call 0808 196 2638.
Alcohol-related health problems and admissions have been increasing for some time. Research shows that earlier identification and interventions can help people understand more about the long term effects of increased alcohol intake, therefore improving future health outcomes.
For more information on how to calculate your alcohol intake go to nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/alcohol-units.aspx
If you are not an inpatient in hospital or you would like some help and support prior to a hospital visit or admission please contact Inspire Lancs on 08081698673 or visit the website inspirelancs.org.uk
Other useful websites include:
