"Disgraceful place"

We very much appreciate and understand your concerns and take seriously the points you have raised. As a Trust we are looking to promote and improve the physical health of our patients and staff by supporting them to go smokefree whilst in our care or employment. With regards to staff, those who smoke are only allowed to do so during an unpaid break and they must leave the Trust grounds to do this. Staff are advised that at all times they must not smoke in view of patients or visitors to the Trust and we are monitoring this across all Trust sites and will act on information provided.

Our Nicotine Management Policy clearly states that staff are responsible for making every effort to ensure they do not smell of smoke during working hours, as this may have a negative impact on non-smoking patients as well as those receiving nicotine management. Support is available for staff to access smoking cessation advice and nicotine products are sold at main hospital pharmacies to support staff to remain smokefree whilst working. As we have only recently gone smokefree we would expect some initial concerns but will continue to monitor staff smoking and take action as appropriate should staff members breach the new nicotine management policy.

If you would like to discuss this matter in further detail please contact Patient Experience Lead Nurse, Corinne.Aspel@nhs.net 0191 333 3566.