A teashop, used by patients and visitors was recently closed because it's turnover has reduced, making it no longer viable.
I believe one of the main reasons for the drop in turnover was the fact that cigarrette sales had been banned.
There was a small patio type of area accessible from the shop.
Now, we all know that smoking is bad for you, but in a mental health setting, where distress levels can by dangerously high, for patients to have to go outside the hospital (that is if they are allowed to) and to rely on visitors to bring them in, or to have to "cadge" them from visitors or patients (if they have visitors) seems rather inhuman and indeed degrading for those who may need a smoke more when in the unit than at any other time in their lives.
Isn't it about time that this issue was re-visited by all concerned from the department of Health downwards?
"Tea Shop Closure In Psychiatric Unit"
About: North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust / Inpatient mental health care North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust Inpatient mental health care ST2 8LD
Posted by Potter (as ),
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Update posted by Potter (other) 13 years ago