Yesterday (Wednesday 4 January 2012) Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board launched its Smoke Free Policy which aims to create a smoke free environment for everyone who visits its properties in North Wales.
From Wednesday 4 January 2012, all staff, contractors, patients and visitors will not be permitted to smoke within buildings or on grounds owned by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. This includes hospital entrances and car parks.
More information on the Health Board’s Smoke Free Policy is available at www.wales.nhs.uk
Andrew Jones, Executive Director of Public Health for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “As a practicing public health organisation, we want to practice what we preach.
“It is estimated that around 1,300 deaths are caused every year across North Wales by smoking and it is the number one cause of avoidable premature death and ill health in Wales.
“We are committed to our comprehensive tobacco strategy and action plan which includes smoking cessation support for pre-operative patients, pregnant women and their partners and for people with mental health needs or chronic health conditions.
“The new Smoke Free Policy also highlights our commitment to supporting our staff to quit smoking by providing a maximum of six hours paid time off over a period of eight weeks to attend Stop Smoking Wales or Smoke Free England sessions.
“All health boards in Wales have been asked by the Welsh Government to reduce the number of people who smoke from 24% to 16% by 2020, therefore it is clear to see why reducing the number of smokers is one of our top priorities.”
New signs have been erected on health board grounds to remind staff, visitors and patients that they cannot smoke in the area and loudspeaker alarms are being installed at main entrances which will activate when someone smokes in that area.
Professor Matthew Makin, Chief of Staff for the Cancer and Palliative Medicine Clinical Programme Group and Tobacco Champion for the Health Board said: “Visitors who might not be aware of the policy and who persist to smoke on our grounds will be told politely, but firmly, that they are contravening the new policy and will be asked to stop smoking, or to do so off health board grounds.
“People smoking at the entrances to our buildings or on grounds give a very poor impression and means that those entering and leaving the buildings have to pass through tobacco smoke.
“I’m in no doubt that the vast majority of staff, visitors and patients want a smoke free environment and agree that people smoking outside hospital entrances is unacceptable. That is why we are ensuring that for staff and patients who smoke, we do everything we can to support them to give up.
“However, we are being realistic. We may not be able to eradicate smoking completely, but we can contribute to a reduction in smoking rates with this policy. Becoming completely smoke free will not happen overnight; a cultural change is needed and this will take time.”
Treating smoking related illnesses costs the NHS in Wales an estimated £1million every day and also accounts for 22% of all adult hospital admission costs and 13% of GP consultation costs.
Latest data shows that approximately 76% of the adult population in North Wales do not smoke, this means that almost eight out of ten visitors, patients or staff on any NHS site are non-smokers.
For help to quit smoking contact Stop Smoking Wales on 0800 085 2219 or www.stopsmokingwales.com
