ULHT to go completely smokefree from January

Staff, patients and visitors to Lincolnshire hospitals will no longer be able to smoke on hospital grounds when a new ban comes into place next year.

Smoking is currently permitted within designated areas of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust sites, but will cease entirely with effect from 6 January 2020 as part of the trust’s drive to provide a safer environment that promotes health and reduces harm from exposure to second-hand smoke.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2013 guidelines state that all hospital sites should ideally be 100 per cent smokefree. As such, patients will be fully supported to abstain from smoking during treatment by being offered nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of patches and inhalators and will be offered a referral for ongoing support.

E-cigarettes and vaping will still be permitted within outdoor areas of the trust as long as it is not done in close proximity to others.

Stephen Kelly, ULHT’s Occupational Health Service Business Manager, said: “Many of the people who use our services are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of second hand smoke, such as pregnant women, babies, children and those with medical conditions. We recognise that smoking is a personal choice and we do not discriminate against those who choose to do so, however we are a health-promoting organisation and are committed to protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of all employees, patients and visitors.

“Smoking is the leading cause of premature death in the UK.  Exposure to second-hand smoke can also cause disease and premature death among non-smokers and even brief exposure can cause immediate harm. Being completely smokefree reflects our commitment and responsibility for improving health and well-being.”