A Smokefree NHS - Hospitals receive HDA guidance on how to quit smoking, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 26 Jan 2005 - 9:00 PST

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NHS hospitals across England will today get help from the Health Development Agency (HDA) on kicking the habit to become smokefree. The HDA document "Guidance for smokefree hospital trusts" provides help on putting a smokefree policy in NHS buildings into practice. The aim of this policy, set out in the public health white paper in November last year, is to protect and improve the health of staff, patients, visitors and remove the dangers of second-hand smoke which has been shown to cause lung cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. It will also set an example to other large employers and workforces, particularly in health-related locations.

Sir Nigel Crisp, Chief Executive of the NHS, welcomed the guidance saying:

"The public health white paper, Choosing Health, announced that the NHS will become smokefree by the end of 2006, and said that the new HDA guidance would be a key part of helping trusts to deliver this aim. The document explains what is needed to achieve smokefree status and how to do it. Just one example is that this will give a good opportunity for people working in hospitals to get free expert advice and support from the NHS Stop Smoking Services. I hope smokefree policies will help many people in their attempts to quit and thus improve their chances of living healthier lives."

The new guidance defines a smokefree NHS as 'smokefree policies within trust buildings'. This means that smoking is not permitted anywhere within the hospital buildings, so smoking rooms are not allowed. Some NHS trusts have decided to include grounds [1] as well as buildings in their smokefree policies and this may be considered the ultimate standard to which all trusts might aspire to in the near future.

Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Health Development Agency said:

'Each year, over 3,000 people die as a result of breathing in other people's cigarette smoke. As the UK's largest employer, the NHS has a moral imperative to lead by example and promote the no smoking message. It has a duty to protect the health and well being of staff and patients. There is evidence that patients who continue to smoke while in hospital are at an increased risk of complications and delayed recovery.

"The introduction of completely smoke free hospitals could help smokers overcome their smoking habit. This new guidance will help trusts protect staff and patients from the dangers of smoking and also sets out to create an environment in which people feel able to quit smoking and receive the support necessary to succeed."

Bryan Stoten, Chairman of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said:

" I'm delighted to see the publication of the HDA's guidance to help the NHS become smokefree. Our trust is committed to being smokefree, and we understand the importance of creating a healthy environment for hospital patients, staff and visitors. This guidance will help all parts of the NHS to overcome the challenges in making this happen."

The guidance aims to support hospitals to become smokefree by providing guidance on how to overcome the difficulties by identifying the 'Five Cs for smokefree'- the key steps needed to implement a smoke-free policy in hospital trusts. These are:

Commit to the policy; Create the policy; ensure Cessation support is widely available and accessible; Communicate the policy and Consolidate the policy. Contact details for health professionals who are willing to offer advice on the issues around setting up and implementing a policy are given in the document.

"Guidance for smokefree hospital trusts" is available at: http://www.hda.nhs.uk

ENDS

[1] See Notes To Editors, point 4

Notes to Editors:

1. The guidance is available to press on the Health Development Agency website, the direct link is hda.nhs.uk/documents/smokefree_guidance.pdf

2. The guidance is based on the learning from a HDA survey of hospitals carried out at the end of 2003 which found that there is still considerable and unacceptable exposure of staff, patients and visitors to second-hand smoke. It is based on three detailed case studies and consultations with individuals who have been involved in implementing smokefree policies.

3. For individual patients, exceptions may be permitted on a case-by-case basis and should be considered as part of the patients individual care plan. Where an exception is made, minimising exposure of staff to smoke would normally mean that smoking is only permitted outdoors.

4. The rationale for having smokefree grounds (as well as buildings) is:

-- A strong message is communicated about the dangers of smoking:

-- Duty of care to staff, patients and visitors

-- Support for smokers to quit

-- Resources can be better spent elsewhere

-- Smoke travels

-- Fire risks

These issues are covered fully in the HDA report "The case for a completely smokefree NHS in England" : hda.nhs.uk/documents/smokefree_case.pdf

5. The HDA Guidance for smokefree hospitals is endorsed by NHS Employers, which is part of the NHS Confederation.

6. Case studies: Trusts from each of the nine government regions across England have offered to share their experience of smokefree policies. Please Contact David Burrows on 020 7061 3108 for more information.

7. The Health Development Agency http://www.hda.nhs.uk is the national authority on what works to improve people's health and to reduce health inequalities. We work in partnership across sectors to support informed decision making at all levels and the development of effective practice.

http://www.hda.nhs.uk

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