Orthopaedic Surgery: Smoking Cessation and Weight Management

Introduction

This leaflet provides a borough-by-borough guide to local Smoking Cessation and Weight Management services available across London. It is intended to support patients, healthcare professionals, and community services in accessing effective local programmes designed to improve health outcomes, particularly for those preparing for surgery.

Why This Matters: Preparing for Surgery

Quitting smoking and achieving a healthier weight before surgery are among the most effective steps patients can take to reduce the risk of complications and improve recovery.

• Smoking and Surgery: Smoking significantly increases the risk of post-operative complications, including wound infections, delayed healing, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular problems. Stopping smoking even a few weeks before surgery can dramatically reduce these risks and improve surgical outcomes.
• Obesity and Surgery: Excess weight, especially a BMI ≥30, is associated with increased risks during and after surgery. These may include infections, anaesthetic complications, slower healing, and reduced mobility post-operatively. Weight management prior to surgery can improve safety and enhance recovery, while also contributing to better long-term health.

What This Leaflet Contains

For each London borough, this leaflet outlines:

• Smoking Cessation Services – including available support, how to access services, and contact details.
• Weight Management Services – including referral criteria, programme details, and provider contacts.

This guide is intended to support timely, informed referrals and empower patients to make health-positive changes ahead of surgery.

For up-to-date service availability and eligibility, please contact the relevant providers listed in each section.

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Smoking Cessation

• Service Provider: One You Healthy Lifestyles and Stop Smoking Service
• Access: GP referrals via SystmOne, self-referral, or community referrals
• Support Offered: 12 weeks of one-to-one advice from trained advisors, free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) including patches, sprays, and vapes
• Contact: 020 3434 2500 or website

Weight management

• Provider: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
• Program Includes: Free 10-week group sessions focusing on lifestyle skills for weight management, led by a registered dietitian and a qualified exercise instructor.
• Eligibility: Adults aged 18+
  BMI ≥30 kg/m² (or ≥27.5 kg/m² for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups)
• Referral: Self-referral or via GP
• Contact: 020 7313 3061

Specialist Weight Management Service (SWMS)

• Provider: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
• Program Includes: Multidisciplinary support for up to two years, including dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and physicians.
• Eligibility: BMI ≥35 kg/m² with co-morbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea)  BMI ≥40 kg/m² without co-morbidities
• Referral: GP referral via NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS)

City of Westminster 

Smoking cessation

• Service Provider: One You Healthy Lifestyles and Stop Smoking Service
• Access: GP referrals via SystmOne, self-referral, or community referrals
• Support Offered: 12 weeks of one-to-one advice from trained advisors, free NRT including patches, sprays, and vapes
• Contact: 020 3434 2500 or website

Weight management

• Provider: ActiveWestminster Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS)
• Program Includes: 12-week structured physical activity program.  consultations at local leisure centres. Personalised exercise plan created by trained fitness professionals. Health and fitness consultations at local leisure centres Health and fitness consultations at local leisure centres
• Eligibility Criteria: Adults aged 18+ BMI ≥30 kg/m² (or ≥27.5 kg/m² for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups) Or individuals with long-term conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or depression
• Referral: GP

London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham

Smoking Cessation

• Service Provider: Turning Point Hammersmith & Fulham
• Access: GP referral or self-referral via participating pharmacies or online form
• Support Offered: Targeted support for high-risk groups, free e-cigarette starter kits, behavioural support, NRT
• Contact: 0300 123 1912 or website

Weight management

• Provider: Healthwise Physical Activity Referral Scheme 
• Program Includes: Personalized physical activity programs for individuals with various health conditions.
• Eligibility: Adults aged 18+ BMI ≥30 kg/m² (or ≥27.5 kg/m² for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups) with an additional medical condition, Residents or registered with a GP in Hammersmith and Fulham
• Referral: GP referral required

London Borough of Hounslow

Smoking Cessation

• Service Provider: Healthy Hounslow
• Access: GP referral or self-referral via online assessment or phone
• Support Offered: Up to 12 weeks of free NRT, one-to-one behavioural support, face-to-face or telephone consultations
• Contact: 020 4559 8200 or website

Weight Management

• Provider: Health Hounslow
• Program Includes: 12-week online and face-to-face programs focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes, with incentives through the BetterPoints app.
• Eligibility: Adults aged 18+ Residents of the London Borough of Hounslow
• Referral: Self-referral or GP referral
• Contact: 020 4559 8200

London Borough of Ealing

Smoking Cessation

• Provider: Ealing Smokefree Service (West London NHS Trust)
• Access: GP referral or self-referral via online form
• Support Offered: 8-week personalised program, one-to-one behavioural support, free NRT, vape-friendly support
• Contact: Online referral form available on their website

Weight Management

• Provider: West London NHS Trust
• Program Includes: Fortnightly group sessions on nutrition, weekly remote exercise classes, and individual CBT-based support.
• Eligibility: Adults aged 18+BMI ≥25 kg/m² (or ≥23 kg/m² for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups) Registered with an Ealing GP or residing in Ealing
• Referral: Self-referral or GP referral

London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames

Smoking Cessation

• Service Provider: Richmond Stop Smoking Service
• Access: GP referral or self-referral via phone or email
• Support Offered: Tailored one-to-one support, free NRT, Swap to Stop scheme offering free vape kits and supplies for up to 12 weeks
• Contact: 0800 011 4558 or website

Weight Management

• Provider: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
• Program Includes: Guidance on healthy eating and physical activity, with referrals to structured group weight-loss programs.
• Eligibility: Adults aged 18+ BMI ≥30 kg/m² (or ≥27.5 kg/m² for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups)
• Referral: Self-referral or GP referral

London Borough of Wandsworth

Smoking Cessation

• Service Provider: Wandsworth Stop Smoking Service
• Access: GP referral or self-referral via contact form or phone
• Support Offered: Tailored one-to-one support, free NRT, Swap to Stop scheme offering free vape kits and supplies for up to 12 weeks
• Contact: 0800 389 7921 or website

Weight Management

• Wandsworth Community Dietetics Service: Provides 6-week group sessions and one-to-one support for adults with BMI ≥25.
• Enable Leisure and Culture: Offers a free 12-week weight-loss program including group physical activities, nutrition education, and coaching support.
• Eligibility Criteria: Adults with BMI ≥35 kg/m² with co-morbidities or BMI ≥40 kg/m² without
• Referral Process: GP referral required

Helpful contacts

• Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Amy): 07884 763560
• Orthopaedic Appointment Clinic Enquiries: 020 3315 4001 (option 4) or chelwest.appointment-enquiries@nhs.net
• Orthopaedic Surgical Enquiries: 020 3315 3581 or caw-tr.surgicaladmissionsofficecwh@nhs.net