NHS Lothian has launched a striking new campaign to stub out smoking on hospital sites. Staff members across NHS Lothian hospitals have teamed up to urge patients, visitors and other members of staff not to light-up near hospitals.
They aim to create a healthier environment for patients, visitors, and employees and help protect those most at risk as they receive urgent care in hospitals across Lothian, including the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Western General Hospital, St John’s Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.
The campaign, titled “All Areas Are Smoke Free”, uses life size pop-up banners which feature seven members of staff asking people not to smoke on hospital premises.
The banners, which are strategically placed in high-traffic areas where the most smoking takes place, serve as a visual reminder of the importance of maintaining clean air and smoke-free environments.
Healthcare staff, who help deliver lifesaving care every day, are some of the most trusted and valued people in society and it is hoped that their direct appeal will make a difference.
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said: “Smoke Free Hospitals are about ensuring that our patients, staff and visitors can come to our hospitals and breathe clean air.
“Unfortunately, there are still areas on our hospital grounds where we know people are smoking. This is why we’re pleased to launch this campaign as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting health and well-being on our hospital sites.
“We hope to create a cultural shift towards smoke-free environments that prioritises the health of everyone who walks through our doors.”
All hospital grounds have been designated as smoke free areas since 2015. This was further enhanced in 2022 by the introduction of a £50 fixed penalty notice to those who smoke within the 15 metres of a hospital building.
NHS Lothian aims to amplify the reach and impact of the campaign and has been running Smoke Free information sessions with staff members to foster a supportive network committed to reducing smoking prevalence on NHS Lothian hospital sites.
Kate Thomas, a Radiologist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People who features in the campaign, said: “Children come to our hospital to be treated for asthma and cancer.
“We need them to breathe clean air. “Please do not smoke on our hospital grounds.”
Joanna Mackenzie, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Edinburgh Cancer Centre, was also featured in the campaign and said: “I ask my patients to do the difficult job of stopping smoking before their head and neck cancer treatment.
“Please support our cancer patients by not smoking on our hospital grounds.”
Stephen Gallacher, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, A&E, St John’s Hospital, said: “Patients are being treated in A&E for serious, life-threatening and life changing conditions.
“It is not acceptable for our patients to be met with smoke when they come into hospital. Please do not smoke on our hospital grounds.”
Support for anyone who wants to stop smoking is available from the Quit Your Way service.
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