Belfast City Hospital Trust is working to achieve and maintain a smoke free environment for the benefit of all patients, staff and visitors. This is a Trust policy referring to health and safety and is based on the same principles as policies relating to toxic substances, dangerous machinery, etc. The policy is supported by the trade unions and professional associations. Why? Smoking is the largest preventable cause of death and disability Passive smoking (breathing other people’s smoke) creates health risks for non-smokers.
The Policy From 17 October 2005 Smoking is not permitted by staff, patients or visitors inside any Hospital buildings or at entrances to any Hospital buildings Staff must not smoke in Hospital vehicles For a period there will be outdoor shelters which can be used by staff, patients and visitors Staff, patients and visitors will be encouraged and assisted in giving up smoking. Facts about smoking One in five deaths in Northern Ireland is caused by diseases related to smoking One in three of all cancer deaths and 90% of lung cancer is smoking related Smoking causes a wide variety of fatal and disabling conditions such as respiratory disease, eg. asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. It is also a major cause of coronary heart disease, stroke and vascular disease. Do you want support in giving up smoking? Contact: Smoking Cessation, Health Promotion, Belfast City Hospital Ext. 3627.