Patients admitted to selected acute and mental health NHS trusts in the North East and Yorkshire are being offered a digital app to help them quit smoking as part of a new pilot.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in England, killing around 74,600 people in 2019 and costing the NHS £2.5 billion annually.

Despite a continued decline in smoking rates, 11.6% of adults in England still smoke, with some areas in the North East and Yorkshire exceeding 15%.

The pilot, which runs until the end of February 2026, is assessing whether a digital alternative can support people to take the first step towards quitting smoking.

Participants receive a free premium licence for the Smoke Free app, which provides tailored online support, practice advice, and access to trained advisors who can provide guidance and encouragement.

Dr Joe Chidanyika, programme manager at Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC), a leading organisation in the pilot, said: “Hospital admission might be for conditions unrelated to smoking, but it creates a unique opportunity to talk about quitting.

“By offering a digital alternative like the Smoke Free app, with 24/7 live support from real people, we can reach patients who may not want traditional services and provide ongoing encouragement to help them succeed.”

Through the app, users can share their own quitting stories and tips, creating a supportive community for others on the same journey.

The app also allows patients to monitor their smoke-free progress in real-time, tracking each smoke-free day down to the second, along with the money they have saved and the health benefits they have gained.

Patients are introduced to the app during their hospital stay, giving them access to tailored support that continues at home.

They are also offered a free nicotine vape or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as patches or mouth spray, from the onsite tobacco dependency treatment service.

Dr David Crane, founder of Smoke Free, said: “We’re proud to work with the Health Innovation Network and NHS on this important pilot. Smoke Free provides round-the-clock human support and practical tools, so people don’t have to quit alone.

“Helping patients stop smoking at this crucial moment not only transforms their health, but it also supports better recovery and reduces the risk of readmission, benefiting both patients and the NHS.”

The pilot is being delivered in partnership by HI NENC, Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, NHS England for North East & Yorkshire and the four integrated care boards across the region.