Calls for smokefree NHS

On National No Smoking Day the Health Development Agency has urged the NHS to lead the campaign to ban smoking in public places.

The HDA suggests that a comprehensive work place smoking ban could reduce the number of people smoking by two million. It is urging the NHS to take a lead in becoming smoke-free and hopes that other large employers would follow suit.

“We all know the devastating effects of smoking on our health, and increasingly, people are becoming aware of the dangers posed to others by second hand smoke,” said Dr Lesley Owen, the senior public health advisor at the HAD.

He added: “No Smoking Day offers an excellent opportunity not only to encourage people to quit, but also to highlight the need for equal access to smoking cessation support for everyone who wants it.”