We are reinforcing a zero tolerance approach to smoking and vaping on the hospital site, which includes the buildings, entrances and car parks.
Smoking or vaping on the hospital site is illegal and a risk to the health and safety of patients, visitors and colleagues from second-hand smoke or vapour and the risk of fire.
If you wish to smoke or vape, you must leave the boundary of the hospital site, including the car parks. Please refer to the map below, which includes the hospital boundary.
Secondhand smoke or vapour is dangerous – people who breathe in secondhand smoke regularly are more likely to develop the same diseases as smokers, including lung cancer and heart disease. Pregnant women exposed to passive smoke are more prone to premature birth and their baby is more at risk of low birthweight and cot death. Children exposed to smoky environments are at a higher risk of breathing problems, asthma, and allergies – and our children’s ward and Maternity Unit are located close to our main entrances. Secondhand smoke is also a risk for all our patients, visitors and people with respiratory issues.
We implemented a no-smoking policy at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford, and St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping, in 2017. We need the support of our patients and visitors to ensure that this is followed on all occasions to protect the health of other patients, visitors, and our people.
Those who smoke on site can expect to be challenged by our people and security team. Patients and visitors are asked to respect the law and our colleagues who are reinforcing this approach. Any incidents of non-compliance, violence or aggression will be investigated and managed in line with our violence prevention and reduction standards.
As part of our commitment to a smoke-free NHS, our people discuss smoking with our patients, and smokers using our services are offered stop smoking support. We will continue to encourage patients to become smoke-free.