NHS Argyll and Clyde: tobacco policy starts today

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From today, 1 February 2006, all NHS Argyll and Clyde premises and grounds become smoke free. The Board is urging staff, patients and visitors to comply with the policy in order to ensure its success.

NHS Argyll and Clyde is leading by example through introducing this tobacco policy on the 1st February, nearly two months before the national smoking ban is introduced on 26th March, and is encouraging other workplaces to implement a similar policy.

Anne Bryce, Tobacco Coordinator - Health Promotion, said,

“This policy is part of the national effort to improve health and change the culture of smoking in Scotland. This policy will improve the health of and protect staff, patients and visitors from harmful exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

“Recent research has actually indicated that 13,000 people in Scotland die each year from smoking, of which 1,000 deaths could be attributed to passive smoking.

“By introducing this policy before the 26th March, NHS Argyll and Clyde is aiming to lead by example and encourage other workplaces to implement similar policies.

“It is recognised that this may be a particularly challenging time and therefore staff and patients coming into hospital are encouraged to attend their local smoking cessation service to get support and advice on how to remain smoke free during their stay in hospital. In-patients who smoke will be offered intensive support and where suitable, nicotine replacement therapy to help them quit for good or stay smoke free while in hospital.

“There are information stalls in the various hospital receptions to provide information on the policy and smoking cessation services. Staff and visitors are encouraged to speak to smoking cessation advisors staffing the stalls to discuss any concerns or issues people may have around quitting or the policy. NHS Argyll and Clyde is urging staff, patients and visitors to comply with the policy in order to ensure its success.”

Press release: Wednesday 1 February 2006