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Care Opinion

Smoking on hospital grounds

Posted By Connie645

"Smoking on hospital grounds"

About: Craigavon Area Hospital Promoting Well Being / Stop Smoking Service

(as a parent/guardian),

I have attended Craigavon Area Hospital twice recently. As a health professional myself, I am aware it is meant to be a smoke free zone, signage and speakers at the front of the main building indicated so. But it is clear that this is not working.

It is so sad to come into the main building of such a good hospital to such a stench of smoke, and trying to get past smokers, especially as an asthmatic and with young children, and to see it littered with cigarette butts.

It is very clear this is not working. I think there needs to be designated smoking area for service users (and staff as they are also not adhering to this policy), people will continue smoking on site and I feel that non smokers' needs are being neglected.

I am sure I am not the first person to have an opinion on this and I really hope senior management have an action plan for this. In my opinion, it is taking away from the overall experience of such excellent staff  and services on the ground.

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Responses

Response from Lynne Smart, Head of Service, Health Improvement, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 6 months ago
Lynne Smart
Head of Service, Health Improvement,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 15/10/2023 at 10:01
Published on Care Opinion on 16/10/2023 at 09:13

Thank you Connie645 for your feedback. We are sorry that your recent visits to Craigavon Area Hospital have been marred by smoking and smoke-related litter at the front of the hospital building and acknowledge that this experience should have been better.

The Trust has a Smoke Free policy and is committed to continue working towards Smoke Free sites, but we acknowledge that there are many challenges in achieving compliance when legislation does not cover the site. We are currently reviewing our Smoke Free sites action plan and will be refocusing efforts on Communication & Messaging, Treatment and support, Training and awareness, Health and safety, and Monitoring. This process is led by the Trust’s Senior Leadership Team and Smoke Free steering group and requires the support of all staff.

I will ensure that your feedback is shared and If you wish to speak to me further about this, please contact myself, Lynne Smart, Head of Health Improvement on 07734540565.

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