Smoking Bans 'Ignored' In Hospitals

Smoking bans are being flouted in many NHS hospitals in England, a university study has claimed.

The study, conducted by researchers at Nottingham University, was carried out in 2007 - before the introduction of the smoking ban in enclosed public places in July, but after the NHS smoke-free policy covering buildings and grounds had come into effect.

Researchers visited 15 different trusts in three English regions, ten of which were acute trusts covering 17 different sites. Patients and visitors were observed smoking at 94% of acute sites and staff were seen smoking in 35% of them.

The survey showed that although smoke-free policies had been implemented in all mental health sites and 98% of acute hospital, exemptions were granted in half the acute sites and 78% of the mental health settings. Typically, these exemptions were for bereaved relatives or psychiatric patients in sheltered outdoor areas and smoking rooms. However, researcher found that nearly two-thirds of acute and over a third of mental health trusts reported that policy infringement occurred on a daily basis.

Researchers warned that if smoking continued to be tolerated on NHS premises that there is a risk that the NHS would now fall behind other work and public places.

The study was carried out to determine the extent of smoke-free policy implementation in English NHS acute and mental health trusts and to explore the challenges and impact faced by management.

Lead researcher Elena Ratschen said: "While I was encouraged that trusts have made an effort to introduce comprehensive smoke-free policies, I was surprised about the lack of enforcement when I made the site visits. Smoking still appears to be the rule rather than the exception.

"Nevertheless, the people I interviewed were very positive about the benefits of smoke-free policies and. I believe, with more support, a smoke-free NHS is achievable."

Ann McNeill, Professor in Health Policy and Promotion, said: "The NHS has a responsibility to promote health and achieving smoke-free premises is the best way to do this. Stopping smoking is probably the single most important thing a smoker can do to improve their health and every effort must be made to support smokers in being smoke-free whilst on NHS premises."

(KMcA)