Since the 1990s knowledge of the dangers of secondhand smoke has continued to accumulate, it is now well established that secondhand smoke causes a wide range of diseases including lung cancer, coronary vascular disease and chronic respiratory problems. The aim of a Smokefree Policy is to protect and improve the health of staff, patients, visitors and contractors and to set an example to others. People smoking at the entrance to NHS buildings gives a very poor impression and also means that those entering and leaving the building have to pass through tobacco smoke.

The world Health Organization classified secondhand smoke as a carcinogen. Given these health risks it is important that NHS Isle of Wight is Smokefree. Smokefree grounds as well as buildings communicates a strong message about the established dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke.

Stopping smoking reduces the risks of surgical complications for smokers and increases the availability of hospital beds. It is therefore important that NHS Isle of Wight actively encourages and helps smokers to stop.

Where can I get help to stop smoking?

Please visit http://www.nhsstopsmokingiow.co.uk for information.

What does Smokefree mean for patients and visitors?

Patients and visitors are not permitted to smoke anywhere on hospital grounds.

Patients may leave the hospital to smoke, provided they receive permission from ward staff to leave the ward and provided they smoke outside the hospital grounds.

Nursing staff cannot monitor patients who leave the hospital premises to smoke. Therefore this is potentially a risk to the patient's safety and may effect their outcomes which could lead to a delay in discharge from hospital which is not only costly for the hospital but more importantly extremely distressing for the patient and their family.

What if I still want to smoke?

Smoking shelters are not provided, if you wish to smoke you must do so outside hospital grounds.

Stopping smoking is the single most important step YOU can take to GET BETTER QUICKER