Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of ill health and premature death in the UK and as a Trust we want to provide an environment that promotes health and wellbeing.

Until the Government’s approach to the use of e-cigarettes and the health implications have been clarified, as well as the risk of e-cigarettes presenting a fire risk, the Trust will afford e-cigarettes the same status as conventional cigarettes. As such, the requirements of the Smoking Policy will apply.

Section 6 of our Smoking Group Policy has been updated to clarify this change.

This means colleagues, patients and other visitors to our Trust must not smoke or vape anywhere inside our buildings, waiting areas, in our grounds and car parks.

Smoking and vaping in uniform is not allowed as per section 7 of the Uniform Policy.

If colleagues choose to leave their ward or department during their allocated break, they must change into personal outdoor clothing and leave trust premises. It is also incumbent on staff to ensure when they return to the working environment that they do not smell of smoke.