BROMLEY’S HOSPITALS GO SMOKE FREE AS PART OF STOPTOBER: “Smoking results in more deaths than the next six causes combined” – councillor
BROMLEY’S three hospitals are now smoke free.
The Princess Royal University hospital at Farnborough Common and Orpington hospital both went smoke free on Thursday (October 1st).
The new policy means that smoking within the hospital grounds – including the use of e-cigarettes – will not be permitted for patients or visitors. Beckenham Beacon hospital is already smoke free.
The move comes with the arrival of Stoptober. Across the country people are joining the 28 day challenge to stop smoking. If you give up for 28 days you’re five times more likely to stop for good. The Council commissions Bromley Healthcare and other health services to help people in Bromley kick the habit. Last year the Bromley stop smoking service helped 1,310 smokers to quit smoking. The total number of residents smoking has reduced from 18.1% in 2013 to 16.0% in 2014, lower than rates across London and England.
To support Stoptober, Bromley Healthcare will be holding extra Stop Smoking sessions on Thursday lunchtimes between 12 pm and 3 pm at the Civic Centre throughout the month.
To book an appointment or to find out about other specialist support available across the borough in over 90 different locations call 0800 587 8821, or text QUIT to 888010 or visit smokefreebromley.co.uk where you enter your postcode in the search box for your nearest clinic.
There is also a new virtual support service where you can get tailored one-to-one support in your own home.
Bromley’s portfolio holder for care services including public health Cllr Robert Evans says: “The dangers of smoking are well documented. “It is the number one cause of preventable death in our country.
“It results in more deaths than the next six causes combined and kills nearly 80,000 in Britain each year. “One in two long-term smokers die from a smoking related illness.
“We are encouraging residents who want to give up, to take up the Stoptober challenge and contact the Stop Smoking Service to find out about the many treatment options available to help.”
October will also see the government’s new legislation to stop people smoking in cars with a child under 18 present come into force in England and Wales. The law is designed to protect children and young people from the dangers of second hand smoke. Under the legislation both the driver and the smoker could be fined £50. Council Officers and the Police are expected to enforce the law, handing out £50 penalty notices where applicable.
And 1 October will also see The Council is working alongside the King’s NHS Foundation trust and the Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group (representing health services in Bromley) to support hospital patients, visitors and staff to quit smoking. Beckenham Beacon hospital is already smoke free, which means all Bromley hospitals will be smoke free from 1st October 2015.
(Sources:
Kings College hospital NHS Foundation trust website)
