Smoker cuts back with support from clinic at Concord Hospital.
 

The Smoking and Vaping Cessation Clinic at Concord Hospital is helping people in Sydney Local Health District quit for good – with free nicotine replacement therapy, personalised strategies and long-term support. 

The clinic, a collaboration between RPA Virtual Hospital and Concord, offers a nurse-led service that empowers patients by tailoring a quit plan to their individual needs. 

“We wanted to create a space where people could get real help, practical support and free nicotine replacement therapy,” said Clinical Nurse Consultant Nicola Reed. 

In just nine months, more than 60 people have used the service. About 15 to 20 have quit smoking for at least three months and another 20 per cent have significantly reduced their habit. 

Patient Narseis Koshkarian, who was undergoing chemotherapy when he started attending the clinic, had tried to quit multiple times, without success.  

“I know I should not smoke but with what I’ve been through with my health ... anxiety makes it really hard to quit. I wasn’t in a good frame of mind,” Mr Koshkarian said. 

“As a side effect from the treatment, I had shortness of breath, and every time I smoked a cigarette, I felt I couldn't breathe.” 

“I was scared. I thought to myself, ‘How long am I going to go on like this?’” 

Mr Koshkarian said Nicola’s support at the clinic has since helped him reduce his smoking dramatically.  

“Nicola helped me to get motivated,” he said.  

“In the beginning, my body would start shaking if I stayed three hours without a cigarette.  

“Now, I can control my cravings. I’ve managed to cut back from about 20 cigarettes a day to just two or three. 

“The spray is very quick. It works for me when the craving comes.” 

The Smoking Cessation Clinic offers nicotine gum, lozenges, patches and spray – all provided free of charge as part of their treatment when required.  

“Having the treatment available straight away eliminates that choice between buying the cheapest cigarettes you can find or buying expensive therapy,” Nicola said. 

Education and follow-ups are key. The team will stay in touch with patients for up to 12 months, helping them understand the treatments and manage cravings. 

“It’s practical, non-judgmental help,” said Nicola. 

“We offer strategies for breaking habits – like changing routines or avoiding triggers. I’ve had people tell me no one has ever sat down and explained that to them before.” 

This year’s World No Tobacco Day theme, Unmasking the Appeal, calls out the manipulative tactics of the tobacco and nicotine industries. The campaign urges people to look beyond the packaging and marketing to see the real harms caused by smoking and vaping. 

While smoking remains the clinic’s focus, Nicola hopes more people will also seek help to quit vaping.  

“It is a real problem, particularly among young people,” she said. 

Referrals to the clinic are accepted from GPs and other health professionals. Patients must live in the Sydney Local Health District or receive ongoing care from a District facility to be eligible. 

For more information about the Smoking and Vaping Cessation Clinic, visit the RPA Virtual Respiratory Chronic Care Nursing page. 

For tools, support and resources to help quit smoking, visit icanquit.com.au