Trust to bring in smoking ban at health buildings

Trust to bring in smoking ban at health buildings

13 January 2016

THE South Eastern Trust is to ban smoking at all its premises.

The Downe and Downshire hospitals in Downpatrick and a host of other Trust facilities across the district will be smoke free from March 9, which is National No Smoking Day.

The ban — which is part of a province-wide smoke free initiative being enforced by all health trusts — 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. The Trust says as its role is to improve people’s health, it cannot condone patients smoking who are receiving treatment.

While Trust officials admit the ban will be extremely difficult to enforce, it hopes patients, visitors and staff will work with the organisation to ensure all buildings remain smoke free and help improve people’s health. In addition to buildings, smoking will be banned in hospital grounds and car parks.

Trust officials also confirmed a recent survey revealed the smoke free initiative has the overwhelming support of its staff, service users and visitors. 

They say the damage to health caused by tobacco is well documented and that smoking can be attributed to around one in ten hospital admissions with the cost of treating smoking related illnesses in Northern Ireland around £164m per year — a sum which would pay the salaries of 8,000 nurses. 

The Trust said it is keen to show leadership as a health promoting organisation and to encourage a cultural shift which will “de-normalise” the use of tobacco and lead to more smokers quitting and fewer young people starting to smoke. The organisation says the ban will help protect the health of everyone using healthcare facilities.

Consultant cardiologist, Dr. Andrew Hamilton, who previously worked at the Western Trust during the implementation of its smoke free initiative, described the new policy as a major step forward.

He said: “During my work as a heart consultant I deal with the consequence of smoking causing heart attacks. I am delighted the Trust has decided to become smoke free this year as it will greatly benefit my patients and our staff. 

“I don’t underestimate how difficult a change this will be for many people. I want to reassure our visitors, patients and staff that the smoke free team is here to help provide support through nicotine replacement products, support and advice.”

Dr. Hamilton hopes that within a few weeks “we will see a great improvement in the environment at the front of our hospitals with many fewer smokers standing in the rain.”

Trust chief executive, Mr Hugh McCaughey said: “We must all commit to making our facilities smoke free, not just because it is now a directive or legislative requirement, but because it will help improve the health and lives of the community and the people we live beside and amongst.”

Craig Brown, a member of the Trust’s staff who successfully stopped smoking nearly a year ago, said his seven year-old son was instrumental in his decision to quit.

He explained that his son heard in school about the dangers of smoking and told him he was worried that something would happen to him.

That was the motivation needed for Craig to see his GP, talk to the Trust’s stop smoking team and really put in the effort required to stop smoking for good. 

Craig said he has noticed real improvements in his health, fitness and energy levels and has used the money he saved to book a family holiday this spring.

To find your nearest specialist service please visit  www.want2stop.info  or contact the South Eastern Trust’s stop smoking team, telephone (028) 9250 1373.