MAGAZINE

Even then, there was widespread criticismfrom both sides of the argument withMPs at the time threatening to overturnthe bill.It’s no surprise then, that MerseyCare’s commitment to go fully smokefree by next March is raising questionsamong staff, service users and visitorsto the Trust’s sites.The decision has been made followinga review of the Trust corporate smokingcessation policy, to comply with theHealth Act 2006 and NICE guidelinesfor smoking cessation in secondarycare, acute maternity and mentalhealth services. Our new nicotinemanagement policy ensures that ourservice users are supported whilst inhospital.But what will be the impact of thismove on service users? What will itbe like for staff caring for people whohave become accustomed to smokebreaks?We put the questions on everyone’slips to senior nurse Jayne Bridge.What’s changing?The biggest change will be that service userscannot smoke anywhere on our sites.The biggest change will be that serviceusers will not be able to smokeanywhere on our sites. We’ve beena non smoking Trust since 2007, butservice users could smoke in outsidespaces. The new guidelines meanthere can be no smoking anywhere inthe Trust, inside or out for both serviceusers and staff, and this includes e-cigarettes.Isn’t this unfair to thosewho need nicotine?Service users will receive the correctamount of nicotine replacementtherapy (NRT) and support they needto prevent them from withdrawingwithin 30 minutes of arriving in ourhospital and this will be includedin their care planning and continuethroughout their stay. People usingour community services will be offeredand supported to quit smoking as partof their care.But doesn’t it makepeople feel better?People often think they need to keepsmoking to help manage stress levels,but addiction to nicotine can actuallycause stress and worsen low mood.Isn’t it the act of smokingthat people will miss?Many people smoke to fill in time,relieve boredom or as part of socialising.We will organise programmes of activities,education and support based on whatservice users say they like. We’ve seenin our high secure services, who havebeen smoke free for a while, and fromother mental health trusts, that thisworks.Won’t it take up staff timewhen they should be caringfor people?Staff already spend time takingpatients outside on planned smokingbreaks. In fact 26 hours of directnursing care is spent every daysupervising access to smoking areas. Infuture they’ll have this time to spendwith patients doing activities chosenby the patient or giving them one toone support to reduce or stop smoking.BREATHEEASYWE’RESMOKEFREEInformation on becominga smoke free TrustFor help givingup smoking...It’s easier to take control of yoursmoking if you have support.QUIT IT• you can find further informationon national stop smoking servicesat: nhs.uk/smokefreeor call 0300 123 1044.Continued page 2423