Promoting a healthier environment by extending the no smoking policy

Borders NHS Board has approved a revised Tobacco Policy which aims to maximise health improvement for NHS Borders staff, service users and visitors by going beyond the legal requirements.  No smoking as our norm will commence on the 1^st January 2012.

Dr Eric Baijal, Joint Director of Public Health, said “Tobacco smoking is an addictive habit which represents the single largest preventable cause of ill health and death in Scotland. Tobacco smoke in the environment is also a health hazard to non-smokers.

“NHS Borders is committed to promoting healthy living and non-smoking as our normal culture. We are doing this by ensuring a smoke-free environment, and offering support to those who want to give up. This policy aims to protect not only our staff, but anyone who uses our premises.”

The revised policy means that no smoking is our norm in all locations with a few exceptions, which are fully described in the policy. All staff, patients and visitors are now prohibited from smoking on all NHS Borders sites including grounds and car-parks as well as inside the buildings. Due to the unique size of the BGH grounds it has been decided to allow smoking to take place within Car parks 1-6 as people exit their cars but not on pedestrian routes to and from the hospital.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, said “As a healthcare provider it is important that NHS Borders is seen by the community as leading the way in spreading the health improvement message regarding life style choices, it is right and proper that we discourage smoking and enable and support our community in improving their health. Our long-term aim has always been to achieve a completely smoke free environment and this is one more important step towards achieving this.

“With the exception of the BGH car parks, anyone smoking on our premises should expect to be asked to stop. In this situation, we would ask people to comply with the request to put the cigarette out or move to an area outside the grounds and respect the fact that staff are only trying to promote our health improvement message.  ”

“Our mental health in-patients units have made a significant step forward by agreeing with stakeholders that smoking will be allowed within external designated areas only.

Our Borders community, staff and patients who smoke will continue to be offered help to quit.”

NHS Borders Smoking Cessation service provides support to smokers who wish to stop smoking under the Quit 4 Good programme through one-to-one advice and support groups.  If you want to stop smoking, contact your local health centre or pharmacy or call the NHS Borders Smoking Cessation Service on 0844 811 8180.