Staying smokefree in hospital Information about our smokefree inpatient and overnight services For a better life A69206 S&B Template A5_MHS_8pp_BLANK.indd 1 06/02/2017 16:01
To protect the health of people who use our services, staff and visitors, we are now a smokefree Trust. We are asking people not to smoke tobacco-based products in any of our buildings or grounds, including our hospital grounds, gardens and car parks. Most of us are aware of the physical risks of smoking, but you may not know that smoking can also affect your mental health. Stopping smoking is associated with reduced depression, anxiety and stress, improved mood and quality of life, with an effect that is equal to, or greater than, antidepressant treatment. By going smokefree we will be following Public Health England guidance, which advises all mental health Trusts to be smokefree by 2018. Health organisations across the country have been going smokefree for years, and this is now considered business as usual. A69206 S&B Template A5_MHS_8pp_BLANK.indd 2 06/02/2017 16:01
What happens during my stay? If you smoke we will offer you nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) within 30 minutes of your arrival to hospital. This will include how to manage any nicotine cravings using NRT and how we can support you to not smoke tobacco during your stay, or even quit permanently. This could include patches, lozenges, gum or e-lites (which look a bit like fake cigarettes). These will be prescribed for you. Within 24 hours you will receive a further smoking assessment where other options to support you will be explored. You can vape in certain areas using your own vaping device if you have one. For health and safety reasons, tobacco products and lighters/matches will need to be handed in for safe storage. These will be returned to you when you leave. During your stay you can receive support from nursing staff and/or specialist drop-in groups. Our stop smoking advisors can also provide information, guidance and support during your stay. Make sure you speak to a member of staff to arrange an appointment. We will regularly review your NRT with you. It s really important that you talk to a member of the team if you find your cravings are unmanageable or have any other concerns. A69206 S&B Template A5_MHS_8pp_BLANK.indd 3 06/02/2017 16:01
Can I use my own vape or e-lites? Your comfort during your stay is important. If you would like to use your own vaping device, we invite you to do so, provided it is used safely and responsibly. We have designated vaping areas outside and, subject to a thorough risk and environmental assessment, you may vape in one of our private bedrooms where we have them. This will be advised by a staff member in person and may be restricted to e-lites. If you do use your own vaping device, please only keep up to 10mls of refillable liquid and charge your device on a hard service using the Trust s charging equipment. Any charging equipment or refillable liquid that exceeds 10mls needs to be handed in to self-storage to be looked after until you leave. In the interests of your safety, if we feel you are not using your vape responsibly we will ask you to hand it in to self-storage and you will be prescribed other NRT options. A69206 S&B Template A5_MHS_8pp_BLANK.indd 5 06/02/2017 16:01
What happens after my stay? We know you may want to resume smoking when you leave hospital, but we also hope that you may be in a position to continue without tobacco. We will provide up to two weeks of NRT when you are ready to return home. We will also ask permission to refer you to a smoking cessation service, to make sure you are properly supported. What happens if I continue to smoke? Quitting smoking can be really tough and we do appreciate you may feel angry, upset or anxious about not being able to smoke tobacco during your stay. Please do your very best and talk to our staff if you are struggling. If you are found to be smoking tobacco we will continue to work with you and support you with NRT. Unfortunately, if you continue to smoke tobacco then we may ask you to leave. Our aim is to support you in a period of tobacco abstinence, which we hope continues after you leave. Find out more For more information, contact one of our dedicated stop smoking advisors between the hours of 9am-5pm Monday to Friday: 07775 028129 / 07787 007712 / care2quit@sabp.nhs.uk For support on giving up smoking in Surrey, visit www.quit51.co.uk or call Quit 51 on 0800 622 6968. If you live in Hampshire, please go to www.quit4life.nhs.uk or call 0845 602 4663. A69206 S&B Template A5_MHS_8pp_BLANK.indd 7 06/02/2017 16:01
If you would like this information in another format or another language: Call: 01372 216285 SMS text: 07786 202545 Email: communications@sabp.nhs.uk Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 18 Mole Business Park, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7AD... Tel: 0300 55 55 222 Textphone: 020 8964 6326 www.sabp.nhs.uk www.facebook.com/sabpnhs @sabpnhs Publication ref: inpatient_smoking Publication date: 25/09/2017