Hospitals Go Smokefree from 1 January 2007

All NHS premises in England, including Eastbourne District General Hospital (DGH), became smokefree from 1 January 2007.

East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust's policy has come into effect six months in advance of smokefree legislation affecting all workplaces and enclosed public places.

The Smoke Free NHS Policy means that smoking is not permitted anywhere in NHS facilities - within buildings, outside buildings and throughout the grounds.

Banners Advertise Smokefree DGH

A huge colour banner was placed outside the main entrance to Eastbourne DGH to inform staff, patients and visitors.

Smokefree posters created by local school children can be seen throughout the hospital, to encourage people to kick the habit.

Help for Patients and Staff

Smoking cessation nurses are available to support and advise patients if they wish to stop smoking. The ward sister or charge nurse will contact them if requested.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy will be available for both patients and staff.

Staff have given overall support to going smokefree and it has encouraged a number of staff to consider quitting.