NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is raising awareness of second hand smoking and the impact it can have on people across hospital sites.
Recent legislation imposed by the Scottish Government makes it illegal to smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building, reducing the risk and effects of second hand smoke on our patients, staff and their families’ health.
Second hand smoke can have significant health implications for those who are exposed to this including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Recognising these risks, NHSGGC remains committed to taking a proactive stance to provide the best possible protection by continuing to promote a No Smoking Policy across healthcare facilities.
To support the implementation of the legislation, NHSGGC has provided a range of materials including signage and advertising initiatives to foster a culture of understanding and compliance from staff and members of the public.
Joris Van Der Horst, Consultant Respiratory Physician at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Second hand smoke can be invisible and contains a lethal cocktail of over 4,000 irritants, toxins and cancer causing substances.
“When you smoke, it is not just your own health that is being put at risk, but also the health of those around you.
“We know hospitals are used by people who are especially vulnerable to the harms of second hand smoke and the Scottish Government has introduced new legislation that creates a 15 metre non-smoking zone around our NHS hospital buildings that will hopefully reduce exposure to second hand smoke for all of our patients, staff and visitors, particularly for those who are at high risk.
“If you have to smoke, please move away from our entrances and exits and help us protect everyone coming into our hospitals.
“If you are currently a smoker, our NHS Quit Your Way services that can help you quit.”
Quitting smoking isn’t something you have to do on your own and over the last two years 1 in 3 people using our services to help them quit have remained smoke free at 12 weeks.
Joris added: “If you are a patient, we can provide you with nicotine replacement therapy for the duration of your hospital stay.
“If you smoke, the best thing you can do for yourself and others, is to quit”
To find out more about the stop smoking services and to access the best support to quit in your area call the Quit Your Way helpline on 0800 84 84 84.
Alternatively, you can visit QuitYourWay.scot for more information including web chat. Service operating hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Informational video: NHSGGC – Second-hand smoke and smokefree hospital sites – YouTube