Ashford and St. Peter’s looks forwards to July ban on smoking

Staff at Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals are looking forward to more public places going ‘smoke free’ in July.    The two hospitals, which went smoke free in March last year, are much cleaner and better places for the absence of second hand smoke, the invisible killer.   However some people still flout the smoke free rules and the Trust is looking forward to more pressure being brought to bear on people who are in effect killing themselves and others through their addiction to smoking.

Said Rex Cassidy, Facilities General Manager: “Our hospitals are smoke free to protect the health of patients, staff and visitors.   It is unreasonable and unfair for people to smoke in our grounds or buildings.   We try to provide a clean and pleasant healthcare environment which is being ruined by a thoughtless few.  There is plenty of help to stop smoking and now is a good time – ahead of the July ban – to knuckle down to kicking the habit!   Here at the Trust we are taking measures to ensure that smokers are reminded that we are Smoke Free.”

Even though 85 percent of secondhand smoke is unseen and odourless, it is an ‘invisible killer’ and is just as harmful as visible smoke.    It increases the risk of lung cancer by 24 per cent and heart disease by 25 per cent.   If you are undergoing surgery as part of your treatment the benefits of stopping smoking are enormous.   Smoking before a general anaesthetic can cause breathing difficulties afterwards.   Stopping smoking, even just a few hours before surgery can really help.   Even smokers who have only recently given up will experience faster wound healing, which will speed recovery and may mean an earlier discharge from hospital.

If you are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy, being smoke free can increase the effectiveness of the treatment.  If you stop smoking before a course of radiation therapy for throat cancer, you are more likely to regain better voice quality.   Stopping smoking is also thought to lessen the side effects which may be experienced with these treatments.

Mr Cassidy continued: “It’s never too late to stop smoking and kicking the habit can have huge advantages in the treatment of cancer.   Ashford and St. Peter’s has been a smoke free Trust since March 2006 and we are grateful to everyone who has supported our decision.  We welcome and support those who are embracing the smoke free initiative.   Going smoke free makes for better hospitals and a better life.”

Stopping smoking for cancer patients will:

·     reduce the likelihood of secondary tumours,

·     reduce the risk of developing over 50 other diseases,

·     protect family and friends from serious hazard of breathing tobaccco smoke,

·     remove excess, toxic carbon monoxide from the body within 24 hours; and

·     lead to a stronger sense of taste and a fresher smelling body.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on hospital premises, including outside buildings and in the grounds because tobacco kills 106,000 people in the UK every year.   As a healthcare organisation the Trust cannot condone tobacco, and the Government wants all NHS organisations to be totally smoke free by the end of this year.    As a local healthcare provider Ashford and St. Peter’s provides cancer treatment to 90% of the population in its catchment area.

The Surrey Stop Smoking Service can offer support to those who want to quit, either through FREE group sessions or on a one-to-one basis.  Call 0845 602 3608 for further information.   You don’t have to wait long for the benefits to start once you stop:

·          It only takes 20 minutes for blood pressure and pulse to return to normal. 

·          Only 8 hours for nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood to reduce by half 

·          In 24 hours carbon monoxide will be eliminated from your body

·          Your lungs will start to clear out the tar that’s been clogging them. 

·          Within a few weeks your circulation improves and exercise is easier

·          In a few months coughing, wheezing and breathing problems improve. 

·          Your risk of lung cancer or suffering a heart attack gets smaller each year. 

·          Stopping smoking can also result in better skin and improved senses of smell and taste.

The Surrey Health Promotion service will have a stand promoting their stop smoking services in the Main Entrance of St. Peter’s Hospital on Wednesday 14^th March, national ‘No Smoking Day’.   Further information about going smoke free can be found atwww.gosmokefree.co.uk/