We’re Smokefree
The Department of Health stated in
2017 that there was a requirement to make all mental health inpatient
services and sites Smokefree in 2018.
To support this, a Smokefree
initiative was introduced across the Trust, to protect everyone from the
harmful effects of tobacco and second-hand smoke.
Being Smokefree will ensure that
staff and service users have the support they need to lead healthy lives.
How we can support service users to quit smoking
Smoking tobacco products on any Trust
premises, including hospital buildings, grounds and car parks is not permitted.
Giving up smoking is a personal
choice, but it is the most important thing service users can do for their
health and those around them. We will respect their decision and support them
to give up if you choose to.
People who have a planned admission
to one of our wards, can contact their local stop smoking service (see below)
or their GP and ask for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to take into
hospital with them.
They can also ask to see an NSFT
Smoking Cessation Practitioner who can help to either manage without nicotine
during the hospital stay or provide support to give up for good.
If they want to stop smoking for
good, they may be offered a prescribed medicine called Varenicline (Champix®).
This works by reducing your craving for a cigarette.
Local stop smoking services
Stop smoking services are completely free and provide advice, support and plenty of encouragement to help you stop smoking for good:
OneLife Suffolk: 01473 718193
SmokeFree Norfolk: 0800 0854113
Products available to support service users
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy is available to help people stop smoking while in hospital (total or temporary abstinence)
• Service users who don’t wish to access smoking cessation support services may consider using an Electronic Cigarette (E-cigarette / vaping device)
Please note: Cigarettes, tobacco, tobacco-related products, lighters and matches are not allowed on Trust premises; however, you may use electronic cigarettes / vaping devices on Trust grounds.
Community visits
If service users are visited by a member of staff at home, they can help keep our staff Smokefree by:
• Making a room available that is Smokefree or ventilating the room for at least one hour before the visit (for example, by opening the window or door)
• Not smoking during the visit
• Asking other people in the house not to smoke during the visit
• If you unable to do any of the above, please discuss with a member of staff, as we may be able to make alternative arrangements