Jane Branstone, who was supported by the CURE team at UHL after being admitted to the Glenfield Hospital in November 2024, says: “It doesn’t matter how long you’ve smoked, or how much – there is always a chance you can give up.”
The CURE Project is a programme that provides treatment for tobacco addiction. Available for smokers who are admitted to hospital, it offers timely treatment with nicotine replacement, medications and specialist support.
On discharge from hospital, CURE patients can have their care transferred to community stop smoking teams, who offer continued support with nicotine replacement therapy and one-to-one sessions.
After a bedside consultation, Jane was prescribed Cytisine to help her stop smoking. She has completed a 25-day course of the medication and has been smoke-free since day four.
Jane said: “When I was growing up, smoking was just a part of life. A lot of people around me smoked, so I started too.
“I’d been wanting to stop for a long time and tried patches and other options, but I just couldn’t quit. Before I stopped, I was on 30 or 40 a day. I thought I would never stop, because I didn’t have the willpower.
“At my most stressed times of life, I was smoking as many as 80 cigarettes a day.”
Jane started her course of Cytisine at home after being discharged from the Glenfield and was amazed by the results.
“On the morning of day four, I had my coffee and one last cigarette and then that was it. The tablets worked for me and I didn’t want to smoke another. I don’t feel the cravings.
“I can’t believe I’ve not had any since. And I’ve not even been cranky!”
Jane has calculated that she is saving around £120 per week and is feeling healthier since quitting.
“I am coughing a lot less and my breathing is much better. Saving the money also comes in handy.
“I’m proud to have gone more than a month without a cigarette. If anybody out there is thinking about quitting, my advice is to do it. I never thought I could stop – but if I can, anyone can.”
You can access information about how the CURE project helps people to stop smoking by visiting the Leicester City Council website.
To find support with quitting smoking in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, visit the QuitReady website.