Caboolture’s Lyn Coughlan has given up smoking for good and now works with the Caboolture Hospital Smoking Cessation Committee to reduce smoking in the community.

Caboolture is known for having some of the highest rates of smokers in the Metro North community, but a team of Caboolture Hospital staff and consumers are committed to turning this around.

When consumer Lyn Coughlan’s husband Garry passed away her smoking habit returned with a vengeance, but with the support of the smoking cessation pathway at Caboolture Hospital she managed to quit her habit for good.

“I wouldn’t say I was a regular smoker, but I started when I was 40 and was in a cycle of taking it up and then giving it up again,” Lyn said.

“I had previously used the nicotine patches from Caboolture Hospital when I had my knee done, but not being able to get up and around easily helped me to quit, too.

“After Garry passed away, I relapsed and needed the nicotine patches as well as the support from staff at the hospital to quit again.

“I was emotional at the time but in the back of my mind I kept reminding myself that I could do this knowing I had done it before.”

The smoking cessation committee has been busy working with security to prevent smoking on campus while also educating patients about the nicotine patches available for those who are looking to quit.

“As you get older, it’s natural that your lungs are going to get weaker and by smoking you’re making it harder for your lungs to work well which impacts upon so many other illnesses,” Lyn said.

“I was a nurse in Queensland for forty years before becoming a consumer in 2016 and joining the smoking management committee.

“Things have changed since I was nursing but I thought I could help in some way and improve the communities understanding of what the hospital can offer them.

“I’m always preaching and telling people if they have concerns, to ring the hospital and ask for help because there will always be someone who can help.

“Most of the time people just aren’t sure where to turn to or where to find the support services.”

For more details on smoking cessation at Caboolture Hospital contact Wilsen Brincat.