SWLSTG to become completely smokefree from 2 October 2017

This is in accordance with the NICE smoking cessation in secondary care, Public Health guidance PH48 (2013) that advocates no smoking in any secondary care premises and grounds, including outside ward gardens and courtyards.

Whilst smokefree initiatives and smoking cessation practices are proven to be beneficial to smokers’ physical and mental health, our Trust acknowledges that this change will have a significant impact on inpatients and staff and therefore we are assisting them to adjust to this change by offering the following:

1. Tailored Smoking Cessation Support for patients e.g. behavioural support (breaking smoking habits and association, managing cravings etc.), Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - nicotine patches, lozenges, mouth spray etc. and medication review (if patient quits, reduces or relapses back into smoking).

2. Daily recreational and therapeutic activities around stress management, arts and crafts, physical activities, healthy eating and social gatherings i.e. movie nights, all of which are for all patients.

3. Renovation of the existing smoking areas which will be turned into completely smokefree recreational and therapeutic spaces (e.g. graffiti wall and tables with integrated board games etc.)

4. Approval of an e-cigarette protocol that supports patients’ choice to use e-cigarettes whilst hospitalised. Inpatients are allowed to use disposable e-cigarettes in ward gardens however, they are responsible for purchasing their own disposable devices. Vending Machines will be located in specific areas of our hospital sites Springfield Hospital, Queen Mary’s Hospital and Tolworth Hospital as well as in local off-license shops where patients can purchase their disposable e-cigarettes.  

5. On site smoking cessation clinics for staff where they can access free support, including NRT products during their work hours.

Vanessa Ford (Director of Nursing and Quality) said:" As a mental health trust it is important we show leadership on health issues such as tackling smoking. We know that smoking is still the main cause of inequalities in life expectancy and quality of life. In addition, smoking rates amongst those hospitalised with a mental health condition can be as high as 70%. Research has shown that smokers with mental health conditions are just as likely as the general population to want to quit smoking and those who managed to quit smoking have shown reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, including possible reduction in dosages of certain medications. We are certain that our completely smokefree policy will provide patients and staff with a healthier environment that supports them with their own personal challenges that this may bring."