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Smoke-free hospitals - a Scarborough experience
Flis MacDonald

Powerpoint Presentation

Abstract
Scarborough Hospital in 2001 had a 'where to smoke' policy, still had staff smoking rooms and both patients and visitors smoking outside particularly around doorways. January 2002 saw the first staff quit programme begin, it was on site with time off allowed to attend. A well supported group with a good quit rate and the new quitters helped out enthusiastically on National No Smoking Day, but we still had to battle against the pull of the staff smoke rooms. Plans began to move on later that year with a proposal to redecorate and improve the staff dining areas and by March 2004 plans without a smoke room were on display, closure set for April 2004. A working group was formed to lead the development of the project.
We used a questionnaire to staff to gage opinion and gain suggestions, it was well supported and showed the majority of staff in favour of a smoke-free site.

We looked for any existing guidance and advice, and took the opportunity of a visit to another hospital further along the process than our selves.

September 2004 saw completion of the new policy and it was accepted by the Board. A secondary care post was negotiated to ensure that there would be adequate staff training to ensure patient support available, and develop a prescribing protocol and patient care pathway. Communication has been key throughout and funding a large issue.

Our Smoke-Free site was achieved on March 9th 2005, by the time of the conference I will have news of what
happened beyond No smoking Day and what future developments may be.

Flis MacDonald
Scarborough Hospital
flis.macdonald@acute.sney.nhs.uk

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