Frequently asked questions

What does the Trust mean by smoke free?

Smoking is not be permitted in the buildings or grounds of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

The government has said that smoking should be banned in NHS buildings by the end of 2006 why has the Trust gone one step further and banned it on the whole site, and why so early?

As a healthcare provider the Trust takes its health promotion responsibilities very seriously. It believes that this total site ban will have a greater benefit for both staff and patients by cutting down the numbers of smokers and reducing passive smoking. With the known risks of smoking we see no reason to delay the ban until a later date.

People already seem to ignore the no smoking signs, how will this ban make a difference?

By having clearer rules and boundaries everyone will know where the Trust stands on this issue. This means that staff will be able to ask people not to smoke, for example in entrance areas, knowing they have the full backing of the Trust.

What do I do if I know I am coming into hospital and won't be able to smoke?

We are letting everyone know about our new policy by including information on our patient letters and by letting all the GP practices know so they can advise their patients before they come into hospital on how they can manage their smoking.

For those patients admitted to the hospital, support and help will be available from the Local Stop Smoking Service. Please contact Sue Wilson, senior stop smoking specialist on 01535 295320 or ask the nurse in charge of the ward or department to contact her.

What about visitors to the site, contractors and taxi drivers can they smoke in their cars?

No, they are covered by the ban too. Although they are sitting in their private property, they are still on the site.