Ban On Smoking On Hospital Grounds

[sp1814]

Do you agree with these proposals?

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-told-to-ban-smoking-near-hospitals-8966155.html

I think it kinda makes sense really...especially if health trusts can offer free support (patches, gum, inhalers etc).

What do you think?

[craft1948]

lol 237 I have seen plenty of the world...............I cruise.

[woofgang]

craft, I am not saying that you, or anyone else should give up, just that smokers shouldn't come to work with patients in the NHS reeking of smoke and if they are patients, they shouldn't be allowed to discommode other patients by their need to smoke.

[CokeTulip]

I'd let them smoke in areas where others dont have to be affected. Others are affected but often dont say it bothers them.
Its being presented as a culture change - OK - it makes sense but I'd like them to go easy on the smokers and use it as an opportunity to talk to them.

I have seen it a few times where smokers were causing discomfort to other people present outside near where smokers are but as a few of them they don't stop smoking or offer to whereas I find they will stop if they are in the minority - depends on person/s too.

At some point hopefully with encouragement they will want to change on their own terms. If they get free support - patches, gum, inhalers to start with perhaps they could come halfway with the hospital while in there or visiting. I get the impression its the chat, the whole having a cigarette that has a calming effect and if it helps someone to feel better - it is their life but I'm with some of the other posts - consideration for others! and nursing staff are not giving the best example but are human too.

Did anyone see Holby city last night - consultant had the "day from hell" and she went outside to smoking area - but others abit shocked. We all have our props when stress gets to us and some more acceptable than others but we all have them.

Last time I visited a hospital I passed this elderly lady standing outside in a flimsy gown on a freezing day (attached to a drip on wheels). Dragging on the fag she looked like the whole world was on her shoulders and her face was grey. It was an awful image and I didn't want to see it but this woman probably needed that cigarette more than anything else that day.

[woofgang]

....which is what the OP's post was about.....

[mrs_overall]

wades into the fray before going to bed

I am a smoker although not a heavy one.
Tomorrow I am going into hospital to have my 18th (yes, 18th....none of which are related in any shape or form to smoking) operation in 3 years.
I smoke on the hospital grounds and have no intention of stopping.
A woman with a clipboard approached all us smokers and politely asked all the patients & visitors who were smoking to put their cigs out.
They all complied, except me.
I will now give the same answer to you that I gave to her
"try walking a mile in my shoes and then tell me to stop smoking"

[237SJ]

Why shouldn`t NHS workers come to work reeking of smoke? Some workers reek of BO or overpowering perfume/aftershave. Why should the smell of smoke be any different?

[craft1948]

Exactly CT, patients don't need extra stress when they are trying to get better.

[woofgang]

"Why shouldn`t NHS workers come to work reeking of smoke? Some workers reek of BO or overpowering perfume/aftershave. Why should the smell of smoke be any different?"

It isn't and I wouldn't allow my staff to do that either. Where the problem was with staff who weren't managed n=by me then i would deal with it through their manager.

[237SJ]

Well good luck with that one. I`m not sure where you will stand legally if you say that the staff shouldn`t smell of something, be it cigarettes or anything else.

[ChillDoubt]

Hope it goes ok mrs o, but you'll improve your post op health and recovery by abstaining when possible:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2149030/

[choux]

Having read through all of this, nothing has changed, has it?

It would seem that the good people of AB who are smokers would not do anything to harm the non-smokers with whom they come into contact.

Points have been made (or re-made) on both sides. So it is down to personal choice as, I believe, it should be.

Time for one more ciggie before bed, goodnight all :)

[Mamyalynne]

ell now there are more personal reports coming out, on the day I was told my husband was terminally ill - when we thought treatment had worked. I eventually went outside for a smoke, walked many many yards and lit up, heard a voice saying 'don't you know....blah', I walked further away and kept walking - he followed me. wittering all the while.

If I had had any strength left in my body, I would have had words to say.

[mrs_overall]

chilldoubt, I am aware of that but just sometimes when the pain is overwhelming a cigarette helps, probably as a psychological prop.

[woofgang]

Legally its easy, tortuous but easy. Often something that can be used is already written into employment t and c's. Many many staff who work with people who have asthmatic complaints or who vomit easily are used to being careful about strong perfumes and aftershaves. personal hygiene issues need to be tackled with care and tact, but can be tackled. Locally the no smoking in uniform rule was written into contracts after the proper consultation process.

[mrs_overall]

Now, now people, play nicely

I might vehemently disagree with some of the answers but everyone has the right to their opinion

[woofgang]

Mrs o, I wish you all the best, I really do.

[ChillDoubt]

See your local Pain Team or GP if it gets bad mrs o, no need to be in pain. Melvyn's are not a pain killer, psychological or not.

[mrs_overall]

Ta woof. This one is fairly minor so I will be back on here in next to no time x

[craft1948]

Absolutely Mrs Overhang................my apologies.