Hampshire Primary Care Trusts (PCT) Quit4Life initiative has launched a text service powered by KODIMEs mobile marketing software, ZOOMtxt.
The new shortcode, 60123, and keyword, QUIT, went live last week throughout Hampshire, and will help anyone ready to take positive action and start a smoke-free life find local NHS-run, free of charge support sessions in their local area, direct from any mobile phone.
All people have to do is to send a text message QUIT to 60123, and follow the instructions. By providing their postcode, they can get details of NHS sessions in the relevant area sent back instantly to their mobile. All texts are charged at standard network rates.
It has never been easier to quit smoking, says Laura Rothery, Head of Smoking Cessation for the PCT. You can now even text from the comfort of sofa, the pub or train, wherever you may find yourself. As far as Im aware, were the first stop smoking service to offer a text service in the country, so the people of Hampshire should get their texting fingers working and kick the habit.
KODIME CEO Nico Kpke adds:
We are very pleased to have been chosen by the NHS to provide the mobile part of this important campaign. This service is based on our standard ZOOMtxt PRO package, with an additional module to enable location search, based on postcodes. The campaign was up and running within 24 hours, and the client has been trained and enabled to fully mobilise all their marketing communication. The NHS team has direct control over all their campaign elements as well as comprehensive reporting via the ZOOMtxt dashboards, accessible from any web browser.
Hampshires Stop Smoking Service is available by calling 0845 602 4663, texting QUIT to 60123 or via referral by a GP, dentist or midwife. Sessions are run by professional smoking cessation advisers, who can give out free medication to help people stop smoking.