The West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) has launched an updated smoke-free policy, which aims to protect the health of patients, staff, and visitors across west Suffolk, and ensure its hospitals are smoke-free zones.
The policy will help create healthier and cleaner spaces through the implementation of smoke-free zones on Trust premises including the West Suffolk Hospital (WSH) in Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket Community Hospital. In addition, the provision of a range of stop smoking support aims to empower everyone to take steps to protect their own health and that of others around them.
Jessica Hulbert, public health manager, said: “Smoking is the leading cause of preventable ill health and death in England and it’s the biggest driver of health inequalities. Our refreshed policy aims to help patients have a smoke-free stay, visitors have a smoke-free visit, and staff have a smoke-free shift. We want to create a smoke-free future for west Suffolk by supporting people to make long-term quit attempts when they choose, and visitors to WSH will now see signage around the site reminding them of the smoke-free zone and encouraging them to stop smoking.”
With funding from Suffolk County Council and the Smokefree Generation Grant, the Trust’s tobacco dependence team who already support inpatients to have a smoke-free stay, have employed two tobacco dependence advisers to provide visitors and patients in the WSH emergency department and outpatient clinics with support and advice on the best way to become smoke-free. The team can provide people with several nicotine replacement treatment options and behavioural support to improve the chances of a successful quit. People are three times more likely to quit with treatment and support.
Nicola Hale, tobacco dependence adviser at the West Suffolk Hospital, said: “We know that cravings for a cigarette can be really strong, particularly at stressful times, however, with the right treatment and support, people can be smoke-free whilst using our services. We are a place where people come to get better, therefore, we ask that people do not smoke on our sites. There are a range of services available to help you be smoke-free at our Trust, and if you access our support and remain smoke-free for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good.”
Kirsty Booth, the Trust’s practice educator in endoscopy, accessed support to help her quit. She said: “If it wasn’t for the stop smoking advisers, I genuinely don’t think I’d have been able to do it. They were so supportive and encouraging, and followed me every step of the way, and now, I haven’t smoked for almost a whole year.
“I’d encourage my colleagues and anyone receiving care or visiting our hospitals who smokes to access the support that’s here. It’s one of the best things you’ll ever do - trust me.”
Jessica Hulbert continued: “We ask that people are considerate about where they vape and smoke.
“People smoking on our sites by open windows and entrances means patients, staff and visitors are inhaling second-hand smoke regularly. Our Trust promotes compassionate care and healthier communities and one of the ways we want to achieve this is by creating a smoke-free environment for everyone who uses our services and works at the Trust. We kindly ask you not to smoke when you’re on our sites or when a member of our community teams is caring for you in your home. If people are seen smoking on site, they will be asked to stop or move on and signposted to our brilliant tobacco dependence team and community stop smoking services who are there to help.”
Anyone wishing to smoke when visiting the West Suffolk Hospital are asked to do so on the Hardwick Heath. Unfortunately, cigarette butts are being discarded on the heath, which is harmful to the environment and wildlife. Volunteers, housekeeping, and estates staff spend time clearing them up, but the Trust is calling on smokers to use the litter bins dedicated to collecting cigarette butts in place on the Hardwick Heath thanks to the West Suffolk Council.
Councillor Ian Shipp, cabinet member for leisure and culture for the West Suffolk Council, said: “For those that are smoking on the heath we’d simply ask that they take care to properly stub out their cigarette when they are done and put it in one of the bins provided so that it doesn’t cause any fire risk or harm to nature.”
Visitors and anyone in west Suffolk can access stop smoking support from a range of organisations, such as Feel Good Suffolk and Smokefree Norfolk as well as NHS Better Health.