We’re going Smoke Free – from 1 October

From 1 October 2017, the north area of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) will join the south in becoming smokefree.

Our change in policy coincides with this year’s Stoptober campaign. Stoptober usually take place during October when smokers attempt to quit smoking for the entire month and we will be supporting this annual campaign.

All staff, patients, visitors, contractors and other service users will not be allowed to smoke whilst on Trust premises or in Trust owned vehicles. This is in line with the Government policy for all NHS organisations to be Smoke Free by March 2018.

The Trust wants to protect all staff and patients from the effects of tobacco smoke and is asking patients who are treated in the community not to smoke whilst they are being seen by staff from EPUT.

Research has shown that people who give up smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to successfully quit smoking.

Sally Morris, Chief Executive of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) said: “The south area of the Trust has already gone smokefree and it is good that we are implementing this policy throughout the Trust. The smokefree policy means that we are protecting people who do not wish to inhale second-hand smoke from the harmful effects of tobacco whilst they are on NHS premises. This Government policy presents a great opportunity for smokers to quit smoking. We will be supporting staff and patients who want to quit through our smoking cessation programme.”

Health benefits of quitting smoking

After 12 hours, your body is free of nicotine

After 2 days, your taste and smell improves and your breath, clothes and house will smell fresher

After 1 month your blood pressure improves and your immune system begins to recover

After 2 months your circulation improves, you will have more energy and your fingers and toes will stay warmer

After 2 months your risk of heart attack begins to reduce

After 12 months your blood pressure returns to normal

After 10 years you have halved your risk of developing lung cancer compared to someone who continues to smoke

After 15 years your chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke is the same as that of a non-smoker

If you want to quit smoking, you can sign up to the Smoking Cessation Programme which is offered by Provide. Call 0300 303 9988 or visit the website: www.provide.org.uk/trying-to-quit/