Smoking ban comes into force at health sites

Smoking ban comes into force at health sites

16 March 2016

A BAN on smoking at all South Eastern Trust premises across the district has come into force.

The Downe and Downshire hospitals in Downpatrick and a host of other Trust facilities across the district will now be smoke free as part of a Province-wide smoke free initiative being enforced by all health trusts.

The ban means patients, staff and visitors will no longer be able to sneak out to the front of hospitals and other facilities or to their cars for a smoke. 

Trust officials say their role is to improve people’s health and they cannot condone patients smoking who are receiving treatment. In addition, officials hope patients, visitors and staff will work with the organisation to ensure all buildings remain smoke free and help improve people’s health.

Trust officials have confirmed a recent survey revealed the smoke free initiative has the overwhelming support of its staff, service users and visitors and that it is unacceptable for patients, visitors and staff to be subjected to second-hand smoking while on health and social care facilities. 

Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Andrew Hamilton, said the Trust’s core business is to improve people’s health “so this is the right thing to do.”

He continued: “If you light up on a health site from today you may be approached by a member of staff who will politely draw your attention to the smoke free rule.

“By creating a smoke free environment and providing smoking cessation services onsite, we hope to encourage people to use this opportunity to quit smoking. I would like to reassure patients who are going to be admitted to hospital that they can be provided with nicotine replacement products, support and advice on their ward.”