To create a healthier environment for everyone, staff, patients and visitors are not allowed to smoke anywhere on our Trust sites. This includes wards, grounds and vehicles.
People with mental health problems are more likely to smoke, and to smoke more heavily, than the general population. This is one of the reasons why they tend to have poorer physical health and a lower life expectancy.
We want to help reduce this inequality by creating a smokefree environment. This is in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance which recommends that all hospital sites, including mental health hospitals, should be 100% smokefree.
Support to quit smoking
We are committed to helping smokers quit. We believe that the largest possible health and social gains for smokers will be achieved if we focus on making smoking cessation support a routine part of the care we provide.
Support is available to patients who smoke whether they wish to stop smoking permanently, or just for the duration of their appointment or stay with us.
To find out more, patients and carers can speak to any clinical staff member or contact their local stop smoking service.
Smokefree
- Bexley: Freephone 0800 783 2514
- Croydon: Freephone 0800 019 8570 or 0800 634 9139
- Lambeth: Freephone 0800 856 3409
- Lewisham: Freephone 0800 082 0388
- Southwark: 0300 123 1044
- Wandsworth: Freephone 0800 38 7921
Support is also available through the NHS smokefree service online at www.nhs.uk/smokefree or by phoning 0300 123 1044 (free). The service is available Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday 11am to 4pm.
For more information, visit www.stopsmokinglondon.com and www.nhs.uk/smokefree.
E-cigarettes
E-cigarettes are battery powered devices that deliver nicotine through inhaled water vapour.
Since e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco and are not burnt, most experts agree they are significantly safer than smoking. Evidence shows they work as well as nicotine patches for helping smokers quit (NICE 2021).
If you already use an e-cigarette please bring it with you if you are admitted to hospital, we will support you to use it if your risk assessment allows.
If you have never tried an e-cigarette before we will help you to try vaping by giving you a free e-cigarette starter pack and refills.
You can purchase additional e-cigarette supplies in our retail outlets as well as in local shops. Check with the local care team/manager about where you can use your e-cigarette in the ward.
As you must be 18 or over to buy e-cigarettes or e-liquids in the UK e-cigarettes cannot be used in our services for children and young people.
If you have any questions about our smokefree policy, please email smokefreeready@slam.nhs.uk.
