New bid to stub out smoking on hospital grounds

2 hours ago

George TorrEast Midlands

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has launched a survey to gather views on what more can be done to reduce smoking on its site grounds

PA Media A person lighting a cigarette. — Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has launched a survey to gather views on what more can be done to reduce smoking on its site grounds

NHS bosses in Nottingham are launching another drive to tackle smoking on hospital grounds despite a ban being in place since 2006.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has launched a survey to gather views on what more can be done to reduce smoking on the grounds of sites such as Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), Nottingham City Hospital and Ropewalk House.

The action comes following complaints from patients, staff and a fire in January caused by a discarded cigarette, where NHS bosses declared a major incident at the QMC.

Hospital bosses are gathering views until the end of October and could consider measures such as stronger enforcement.

In recent feedback to the trust, staff, patients and visitors said smoking remained a regular problem around hospital entrances despite clear smoke-free policies and signage.

One staff member said they were "disappointed" to see people continuing to smoke on site, while a new parent said the experience of leaving hospital with their newborn was marred by cigarette smoke outside the main entrance.

A patient receiving ongoing treatment also said people appeared to be ignoring the rules, raising concerns about the impact on the hospital environment for those using the sites.

No smoking signs warn visitors and patients to Queen's Medical Centre not to light up if they smoke

PA Media A general outside view of a hospital — No smoking signs warn visitors and patients to Queen's Medical Centre not to light up if they smoke

Jack Adlam, director of communications and engagement and executive sponsor for Smokefree at NUH, said: "Our hospitals should be welcoming, healthy environments for everyone. While we have introduced a range of measures over the past 20 years, we know smoking on our hospital grounds remains an ongoing challenge.

"We want to hear directly from patients, visitors, staff and local communities about what more we can do.

"This includes gathering views on a range of options, such as increased stop-smoking support, awareness campaigns, stronger enforcement of our smokefree policy and the possible introduction of designated smoking spaces away from hospital buildings.

"No decisions have been made. This engagement is about listening to the people who use our hospitals and ensuring any future action is informed by their experiences and views."

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