Hospital to bring in smoking ban (From Warrington Guardian)

Hospital to bring in smoking ban

CREWE'S Leighton Hospital will ban smoking from November to improve the health of patients and staff.

The hospital and every other Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust building will be smoke free from November 1 after the trust drew up a new policy to improve staff and patient welfare.

A series of posters will be put up promoting the new policy, leaflets will be sent out to staff and patients, and smoking cessation campaigns will be launched in September.

The policy has been drawn up following detailed consultation with management, staff and union representatives, as well as patient representatives and experts from Central Cheshire Primary Care Trust.

Simon Yates, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust's chief executive, said: "Smoking can have a devastating impact on people's lives, not only for those who smoke but for everyone.

"The trust has been smoke free within its buildings for some time now, and we feel we have to take a firmer stance in further protecting the health of patients, visitors and staff."