Patients, visitors, staff and local communities are being asked for their views on how smoking should be tackled at Nottingham’s hospitals.
The grounds of Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham City Hospital and Ropewalk House have been smokefree since 2006, but Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) says smoking continues to take place, particularly around main entrances.
NUH has launched a survey during Stoptober to gather views on possible further measures.
The Trust says it continues to receive complaints and concerns about people smoking close to hospital buildings.
One member of staff said: “I often take my lunch break walking around the campus and am disappointed to see that some patients, visitors and staff continue to ignore the smokefree policy.”
A family member who recently had their first child at QMC said: “Whilst the care we received was fantastic, I felt our final moments at QMC were tainted when we left the hospital.
“The first breath of outside air my daughter took was outside the main entrance and it was full of cigarette smoke.”
A patient receiving regular treatment said that although no-smoking signs were clear, people continued to smoke outside hospital buildings.
Smoking on hospital grounds has also caused safety concerns.
Earlier this year, a cigarette caused a fire outside the Emergency Department at QMC, which led to the Trust declaring a critical incident.
Jack Adlam, NUH Director of Communications and Engagement and executive sponsor for smokefree measures, said the Trust wanted feedback on what further action could be taken.
Options being considered include increased stop-smoking support, awareness campaigns, stronger enforcement of the smokefree policy and designated smoking areas away from hospital buildings.
He said: “No decisions have been made. This engagement is about listening to the people who use our hospitals and ensuring any future action is informed by their experiences and views.”
The survey asks people about their experiences of smoking on hospital grounds and their views on possible solutions.
It will remain open throughout October, with the findings used to help shape future smokefree measures across NUH.
