In line with the Government’s White Paper “Choosing Health” all Island NHS sites will be smoke free from 1 April.

The introduction of the smoking ban has been done on a staged basis since last autumn, starting with the withdrawal of smoking facilities for staff and then for patients. 

People wishing to stop smoking can receive help and support from the NHS Smoking Cessation Service provided by the Health Promotion Department,
Tel No 814280.  They also run a number of support groups in various locations on the Island.

Notes for Editors

The government’s White Paper “Choosing Health” announced that the NHS will be smoke free by the end of 2006.

Smoking remains the largest single cause of death and disease in England.

Second hand smoke contains over 50 known carcinogens.  The increased risks for adults who live with smokers are: lung cancer 20-30%; heart disease 25%.  For children they are: sudden infant death syndrome 50%; lower respiratory tract illness 50%; asthma 50%; middle ear disease 40%.