Hospital to become a smoke-free zone (From Warrington Guardian)

Hospital to become a smoke-free zone

FAMILIES visiting patients will no longer be able to smoke outside Warrington Hospital.

Hospital staff and patients will also be banned from having cigarettes unless it is in a designated external bay on the site.

The new policy comes into effect on September 1.

North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust says it will offer smoking cessation services and guidance for staff and patients.

Drop in sessions with expert advice from dieticians and respiratory nurse specialists have also been arranged.

Sheila Samuels, director of human resources, said: "As a provider of healthcare and as a responsible employer, we have a duty to protect patients, staff and visitors from the serious health risks caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, as well as promoting the health benefits of stopping smoking.

"Clearly this policy will not force people to give up smoking, but it will support them to do so if they wish. Restricting smoking to designated areas will also prevent non smokers from inhaling cigarette smoke."

Steve Owen, consultant physician in respiratory medicine, said: "I see the detrimental effects of smoking on a daily basis with patients battling against conditions including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

"The bottom line is smoking is bad for people who smoke and everybody around them. We now know that a person who smokes throughout their adult life can shorten their life expectancy by an average of 10 years."

He adds: "Clearly a hospital, even more so than other public buildings, should be a smoke free environment and I am sure every clinician in this trust and across the country is fully supportive of any reasonable measures to stop people smoking."

The new policy has been drawn up following consultation with staff and patient representatives.

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