A Dorset NHS trust has gone smoke free at all of its sites from today.
The move, by University Hospitals Dorset, coincides with National No Smoking Day.
Smoking tobacco products is no longer permitted anywhere at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals, as well as the trust’s off site locations across Dorset.
The ban includes entrances, car parks, and outdoor areas.
Vaping is still permitted but must be at least three metres away from doors and windows.
Siobhan Harrington, Chief Executive at UHD, said: “The NHS increasingly cares for people with long-term health conditions, and we must do more to create an environment that supports healthier choices.
“Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death so we need to take proactive steps to prevent the very diseases we frequently treat.
“We are here to look after your health and we prioritise the wellbeing of our community, our staff, and our environment – providing a smoke free environment and supporting people to quit is a really important part of that.”
Dr Peter Wilson, Chief Medical Officer at UHD, said: “This isn’t easy – smoking is not a lifestyle choice or a bad habit – it is a powerful addiction.
“That’s why we’re here to support our colleagues and patients to quit for good. In fact, treating tobacco addiction is now a standard of care in our hospitals.”
UHD has a dedicated Tobacco Addiction Care and Treatment Service offering support to all inpatients who smoke, providing guidance and assistance to promote recovery and wellbeing.
The Trust’s Smoking in Pregnancy Team also offers support to pregnant women and their families throughout their time with us, helping people abstain or quit for good.
More information is available at www.uhd.nhs.uk/about-us/smokefree. Free stop smoking support is also available via Live Well Dorset.