Query from Network member

Dr Julia Smedley from University Hospital Southampton asks:

We are just in the process of reviewing our No Smoking Policy (again). We have free cessation interventions for staff and patients. But sadly, we have never managed to achieve a smoke-free site – we are smoke-free indoors, but have a small number of smoking shelters in the hospital grounds. Staff generally use the shelters, but patients and visitors continue to smoke randomly anywhere they like – including right outside the front door. Even formal policing by the security team has made little impact on this continued behaviour.

We still aspire to being properly smoke free in the grounds. Has anyone managed to achieve this? If so, would you be willing to share tips or experience?

Please respond direct to julia.smedley@uhs.nhs.uk and cc to admin@nhshealthatwork.co.uk.

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