a a Information on becominga smoke free Trust forservice users and carers

We’re proud to care about your fresh air

BREATHEEASYWE’RESMOKE FREEa

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�Promoting and Supporting a Healthy Lifestyle

Stay Well With Dr FeelwellFor more information email: drfeelwell@merseycare.nhs.uk

Why have we done this?Smoking is the greatest cause ofpreventable illness and prematuredeaths. It is estimated that there are80,000 deaths each year related tosmoking. There are no safe levelsof smoking. We have a duty toprotect your health and wellbeingand that of our staff.

We must also comply with theHealth Act 2006 and the NationalInstitute for Health Care Excellence2013 which states that all hospitalsshould be 100% smoke free.

What does smoke free mean?It means that smoking is notallowed anywhere by anyone onMersey Care sites. Patients,carers, visitors and staff are notallowed to smoke on the wards,gardens, courtyards, grounds orvehicles on Mersey Care NHS Trustsites.

There are no designated smokingareas where smoking is allowed.

What does this mean for inpatient services?It means that you are not allowed tokeep tobacco, cigarettes, e-cigarettes,lighters or matches. If you do bringthese items into the hospital they willbe removed and carers/friends/familywill be asked to collect them.

What will we do to helpyou during your stay?We know that not being able tosmoke can be tough but we will bethere to support you. Whether youwant help to stop smoking for good or to manage your cravings duringyour stay we will work with you on asmoking cessation plan and offer you:

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as patches, lozenges and inhalators.

Smoking cessation support groups on the ward.

Additional activities.

Smoke Free Information for Service Users and CarersMERSEY CARE IS GOING SMOKE FREE

No, e-cigarettes are not currentlyregulated or licensed, therefore wecannot allow their use. If theseitems become regulated, we willreconsider but until then, e-cigarettes will be treated in thesame way as tobacco products.

Is this an infringement of human rights? No, this argument was tested in theappeal court in 2008 where it wasruled that a hospital is not apatient’s home and that NHS trustshave the right and duty to supporthealth and wellbeing by preventingsmoking on their premises and intheir grounds.

What about service userswho are seen at home?Research shows that breathingsecond hand smoke (passivesmoking) can increase the risk ofcancer and other health problems.

If you smoke and are expecting avisit from a health professional,please do not smoke during thevisit, or for up to 30 minutes beforethe visit, and open a window toclear the air.

What can carers do to help?We know how hard it will be for ourpatients to adjust to our smoke freeenvironments and ask carers tosupport them, and us, in our effortsto improve the health and safety ofeveryone in our care. Please do not smoke and do notbring cigarettes, tobacco, matches,lighters or e-cigarettes onto ourpremises.

If you wish to cut down or quitsmoking, please speak to amember of staff who willbe happy to direct you tosmoking cessation services.

Will e-cigarettes be allowed?