Smoking ban introduced in mental health wards

NHS Tayside has introduced a complete ban on smoking in its mental health wards.

The move, which came into effect on Monday, is in line with a Scottish Government directive and follows an initiative piloted at Murray Royal Hospital in Perth.

A NHS Tayside spokeswoman said the ban had been “well received” on both the Rannoch and Amulree wards at Murray Royal and it had now been completely rolled out at the Perth site and at Carseview Hospital in Dundee.

“The smoke-free status in the grounds of every hospital, health centre and NHS building across the country is part of a national drive to create a tobacco-free generation within Scotland by 2034,” she commented.

“NHS Tayside supports this ambition and asks that people who wish to smoke only do so outwith NHS Tayside premises or grounds.”

“Smoky environments have been shown to be detrimental to health by causing cardiovascular and respiratory problems not just to the smoker but also to those who are breathing in the smoke.

“Clinical evidence shows there are significant benefits to having a no smoking policy within mental health facilities.”

Alison Angus, of general adult psychiatry with

NHS Tayside, added: “The experience of the pilot wards has been very positive with staff and patients enjoying smoke-free environments with evidence of improved healthier lifestyle choices for some patients.

“Updating our smoking policy to include mental health services is an essential part of providing the best possible care.”