SMOKING shelters are to be pulled down as staff and patients are asked to take a "zero tolerance" approach to smoking at East Sussex Hospitals.
In the final stages of the Trust's preparation to become smoke free, smoking shelters are being removed from the Trust's premises and no smoking signs are being put up.
From January 1 – in just ten days time – no-one will be allowed to smoke anywher
e on the Trust's premises.
Over the past month, we have spoken to a number of supporters of the campaign – and now the most important thing is that the public support it too.
David Philliskirk, Director of Facilities who leads the Smoke Free policy, said, "It is now vital that we have the support of both public and staff.
"Getting used to change can be difficult so please give a gentle reminder to anyone you see lighting up. Unfortunately, the NHS does not have the money to have extra security guards patrolling the grounds to find smokers – that is why we really need you to play your part."
In seven days time, not only will East Sussex Hospitals be going Smoke Free, but a whole wave of smokers will be planning to kick the habit.
Sue Bliss, Stop Smoking Advisor from Hastings and Rother PCT, has this advice, "Creating a Smoke Free Environment provides an excellent opportunity to break the habit."
"The NHS Smokefree campaign has recently launched a new website – www.justgiving.com/smokefree – that allows quitters to create their own personalised sponsorship web page. The quitter can then ask family and friends to sponsor them to give up smoking for good, with the money raised going to the quitter's charity of choice.
"It's hoped that this will really encourage more people to quit in 2007."
For information on giving up smoking contact the PCT's line on 01424 457153.
