We are seeing an increase in patients and visitors smoking and vaping within our buildings and grounds. This is a significant safety concern, so please read on to see what actions we need to take to keep people safe.

Smoking and vaping in healthcare environments presents serious risks, particularly fire and explosion hazards in oxygen-enriched areas. Ignition from cigarettes, lighters, or vaping devices can lead to rapid fire spread and severe injury.

Many of our patients are especially vulnerable, including those who are bed-bound, cognitively impaired, sedated, receiving oxygen therapy, or using paraffin-based emollients, and may be unable to recognise danger or move away quickly. Smoking and vaping can also expose others to second-hand smoke or vapour, compromise infection prevention and control, and interfere with medical equipment and sterile environments. Additional risks include battery fires from vaping devices and unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

For these reasons, we operate a strict no-smoking and no-vaping policy across all our buildings and grounds. This policy is in place to protect our patients, colleagues and visitors, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing this message in a calm and respectful way.

Please report all incidents and near misses on InPhase

To help the Fire Safety Team better understand the risks and identify any additional safety measures are needed, all incidents and near misses involving smoking or vaping must be reported on InPhase. This includes situations where harm was avoided or where concerns were identified before an incident occurred.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.