University Hospitals Dorset sites are now smoke free
No tobacco products are allowed at Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch
Every University Hospitals Dorset site has gone smoke free from today (Wednesday 12th March), with the aim of making it healthier for patients, staff, and visitors.
It's been brought in on National No Smoking day, with all tobacco products banned from the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospital sites, as well as their other locations across the county.
Entrances, car parks and outdoor spaces are included in the ban, but 'considerate' vaping will still be permitted, so long as it's three metres away from doors and windows.
UHD's put together a video of staff explaining the changes:
Siobhan Harrington, Chief Executive at UHD, said: “The NHS increasingly cares for people with long-term health conditions, and we must do more to create an environment that supports healthier choices. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death so we need to take proactive steps to prevent the very diseases we frequently treat.
“We are here to look after your health and we prioritise the wellbeing of our community, our staff, and our environment - providing a smoke free environment and supporting people to quit is a really important part of that.”
Dr Peter Wilson, Chief Medical Officer at UHD, added: “This isn’t easy - smoking is not a lifestyle choice or a bad habit - it is a powerful addiction. That’s why we’re here to support our colleagues and patients to quit for good. In fact, treating tobacco addiction is now a standard of care in our hospitals.”
UHD say they can support inpatients who smoke with guidance and help from a dedicated Tobacco Addiction Care and Treatment Service.
The Trust also has a Smoking in Pregnancy Team to work with pregnant women and their families, helping people abstain or quit for good.
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