Trust News
Latest articles and updates
Search articles
Mid Yorkshire celebrates major success in helping mums-to-be quit smoking
Pictured (left to right): Tobacco Dependency Advisors; Emma, Georgia and Charlotte
Expectant mothers and birthing people across Wakefield district and north Kirklees are now smoking less than ever before at the time of giving birth, thanks to targeted support from the maternity team at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.
New figures show the percentage of women recorded as smoking at the time of delivery (SATOD) has fallen by 10.7% over the past eight years, dropping from nearly one in five mothers in 2017 to fewer than one in twelve in 2025.
This achievement means the Trust is already meeting its local SATOD target and is firmly on track to reach the national ambition of reducing rates to 6% by 2025, set by NHS England.
The success has been driven by a combination of innovative approaches, including dedicated support from Tobacco Dependency Advisors and a specialist midwife for smoking cessation, the use of carbon monoxide monitoring and testing, and the provision of vapes as a harm reduction tool.
One new mother who received support said: "Thank you so much, you don't know how much you helped me. You really are brilliant at your job and so caring as well. I've been smoking since I was 14 and I'm 38 now, so that's 24 years, and look what you’ve helped me achieve. Thank you so much.”
New figures show the percentage of women recorded as smoking at the time of delivery (SATOD) has fallen by 10.7% over the past eight years, dropping from nearly one in five mothers in 2017 to fewer than one in twelve in 2025.
This achievement means the Trust is already meeting its local SATOD target and is firmly on track to reach the national ambition of reducing rates to 6% by 2025, set by NHS England.
The success has been driven by a combination of innovative approaches, including dedicated support from Tobacco Dependency Advisors and a specialist midwife for smoking cessation, the use of carbon monoxide monitoring and testing, and the provision of vapes as a harm reduction tool.
One new mother who received support said: "Thank you so much, you don't know how much you helped me. You really are brilliant at your job and so caring as well. I've been smoking since I was 14 and I'm 38 now, so that's 24 years, and look what you’ve helped me achieve. Thank you so much.”
Michelle Gascoigne, specialist midwife for smoking cessation, manages the Trust’s Maternity Stop Smoking Service and Tobacco Dependency Advisors. She said: "In the last year we have doubled the number of women having a successful 4-week quit, and our smoking-at-time-of-delivery rate is excellent. Quitting smoking is one of the best things a mum can do for her baby’s health, so we’re incredibly proud to have supported so many local families to make this positive change. This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the determination of women and birthing people to give their children the best possible start in life. The reduction in smoking at the time of delivery not only improves outcomes for babies and mothers but also reflects a real culture shift in our communities. We will continue to build on this momentum.”
This success comes during Stoptober, the national campaign encouraging people to quit smoking, and highlights how specialist support can make a lasting difference.
Expectant mothers and birthing people who smoke and want to quit can access support from the Maternity Stop Smoking Service online at www.midyorks.nhs.uk/smoke-free-pregnancy, by calling 01924 317280 or by email to midyorks.myhtmaternitytda@nhs.net.