The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) said its 'Quit Smoking' unit at Al Ain Hospital has achieved great success in helping smokers kick the habit with the facility now receiving more than 50 outpatients each month. 

 

Dr Moza Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, the director of both Oud Al-Touba Family Medicine Centre, and the Quit Smoking Unit at Al Ain Hospital, confirmed that the work of the Stop Smoking Clinic has given evidence of its relevance and effectiveness in the service of smokers who wish to quit smoking. 

 

She pointed out that its work had been so effective that it had proved beneficial to society in general. 

 

“The clinic began receiving outpatients back in February 2010, with the aim of engaging with between 6 to 8 patients each week, for 3 hours per week. In order to provide a service to the largest possible segment of society, we have since extended the working hours at the Stop Smoking Clinic to 8 hours per week, and currently receive more than 50 outpatients each month,” noted Dr Al-Kuwaiti.

 

According to her, the working group at the clinic consists of a medical practitioner trained to assist smokers in quitting, a psychologist, a dietitian, and a nurse. 

 

This team has been able to achieve significant positive results during the period that the clinic has been open to the public. Despite the many obstacles and temptations faced by smokers, the clinic assists, on average, 2-3 people to stop smoking every month, she added.

 

Explaining the procdures, Dr Al Kuwaiti said, "During the smokers' first visit to the clinic, the percentage of nicotine and carbon within their lungs is determined, and patients are also assessed psychologically in order to establish the causes of smoking and any barriers which may prevent the patient from quitting smoking."

 

"On this basis, the doctor arrives at an appropriate treatment plan with the participation of the patient and the medical team," she stated. 

 

"The medical team dedicates its full, holistic medical experience to educating smokers and encouraging them to raise their will and desire to quit smoking. The team provides the patient with clinic appointments at frequent intervals, and also with educational and awareness brochures," she stated. 

 

"The centre is careful to maintain the confidentiality of patient information in order to allow them to continue their follow-up appointments without any undue harassment," she added.-TradeArabia News Service