Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Stop before the Operation
The sooner you stop before your op, the better!
Even quitting one or two days before surgery - and staying smoke free afterwards - reduces the risk of complications.
Evidence shows that being smoke free may reduce your length of stay in hospital, your wounds will heal quicker, with fewer infections and prescribed medications will be more effective. The longer you manage to stay stopped the more repair work your body can do.
During your hospital stay
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on Frimley Health hospital sites (including the grounds).
If you do not feel ready to quit smoking, NRT can be used instead of smoking for the duration of your stay in hospital. We strongly advise you to bring nicotine replacement (NRT) products into hospital with you to make your stay safer and more comfortable. NRT is available free from the Stop Smoking Services during a quit attempt. It is also available to purchase from chemists and supermarkets.
If you do not have any with you please ask a member of the ward staff for NRT to support your efforts to be Smoke Free. Nicotine patches, inhalators and other products are available.
This is free to you during your inpatient stay.
Other reasons to stop smoking
Stopping smoking is the single most important step you can take to improve your health.
Quitting has many benefits which include:
- Making breathing easier
- A healthier heart
- More positive mood (reduced stress and anxiety)
- More energy
- Saving money
- Protecting the health of other family members
Getting Support to Quit
You are more likely to quit with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and support.
A Tobacco Dependency Adviser may call you before you come into hospital, or visit you during your stay, to support you in your quit attempt.
Tobacco Dependency Advisers can refer you to your local service, or you can self refer using the contacts below.
| Berkshire & Bracknell Forest residents Tel: 0800 622 6360 / 0118 449 2026 Text: ‘Quit’ to 66777 www. |
Buckinghamshire residents |
| Hampshire residents Tel: 0800 772 3649 / 01264 563039 www. |
London Borough residents https:/ |
| Slough residents Tel: 0800 0614734 / 01753 373646 Text QUIT to 66777 www. |
Surrey residents Tel: 01737 652168 www. |
If you did not ask for a referral but would now like to quit you can refer yourself to your local service or:
GO ONLINE to http://
DOWNLOAD the NHS Quit Smoking app on the app store or use one of the Link below.
App store: Download
Google Play: Download
Great News!
Recent evidence shows that having support with stop smoking services is three times as effective as quitting unaided.
If you have any smoking or vape related concerns regarding your planned hospital stay, please do not hesitate to contact the tobacco team fhft.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Tobacco dependency service.
About this information
Service:
Tobacco dependency
Reference:
DD/005
Approval date:
16 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.