Although smoke-free policies have been introduced at all NHS Hospital Trusts a study by researchers at The University of Nottingham has found that smoking is still prevalent, even by staff in uniform.

Researchers in the School of Community Health Sciences conclude that effective enforcement is critical and more must be done to find better ways of supporting staff to engage effectively in enforcement, manage nicotine withdrawal and stop smoking on site.

The study was carried out to determine the extent of smoke-free policy implementation in English NHS acute and mental health Trusts and to explore the challenges and impact faced by management. The questionnaire-based survey also involved 22 telephone interviews. Researchers also visited 15 different Trusts in three English regions — 10 of which were acute trusts covering 17 different sites.

Patients and visitors were observed smoking at 94 per cent of acute sites and staff were seen smoking in 35 per cent of them.

Lead researcher Elena Ratschen said: “Whilst I was encouraged that Trusts have made an effort to introduce comprehensive smoke-free policies, I was surprised about the lack of enforcement when I made the site visits. Smoking still appears to be the rule rather than the exception.

“Nevertheless the people I interviewed were very positive about the benefits of smoke free policies, and I believe with more support, a smoke-free NHS is achievable.”

The survey showed that although smoke-free policies had been implemented in all mental health sites and 98 per cent of acute hospitals, exemptions were granted in half the acute sites and 78 per cent of the mental health settings. Typically these exemptions were for bereaved relatives or psychiatric patients in sheltered outdoor areas and smoking rooms. But nearly two thirds of acute and over a third of mental health trusts reported that policy infringements occurred on a daily basis.

Despite setting an example to other organisations researchers are warning that if smoking continues to be tolerated on NHS premises there is a risk that the NHS will now fall behind other work and public places.

Ann McNeill, Professor in Health Policy and Promotion said: “The NHS has a responsibility to promote health and achieving smoke-free premises is the best way to do this. Stopping smoking is probably the single most important thing a smoker can do to improve their health and every effort must be made to support smokers in being smoke-free whilst on NHS premises.”

Elena Ratschen specialises in smoking and public health issues. She is now carrying out research into smoking and serious mental illness, with a special focus on acute settings.

According to the provisions of the Health Act 2006, NHS acute Trusts had to become smoke-free by July 2007. Mental Health Trusts were granted a further year before all indoor smoking areas have to be removed.

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Notes to Editors: The University of Nottingham is ranked in the UK’s Top 10 and the World’s Top 70 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and Times Higher (THES) World University Rankings.

It provides innovative and top quality teaching, undertakes world-changing research, and attracts talented staff and students from 150 nations. Described by The Times as Britain’s “only truly global university”, it has invested continuously in award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia.

Twice since 2003 its research and teaching academics have won Nobel Prizes. The University has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in both 2006 (International Trade) and 2007 (Innovation — School of Pharmacy).

Its students are much in demand from ‘blue-chip’ employers. Winners of Students in Free Enterprise for three years in succession, and current holder of UK Graduate of the Year, they are accomplished artists, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators and fundraisers. Nottingham graduates consistently excel in business, the media, the arts and sport. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree completion rates are amongst the highest in the United Kingdom.

More information is available from Elena Ratschen on +44 (0)7790 651836 or +44 (0)115 8231700, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Media Relations Manager Lindsay Brooke in the University’s Communications Office on +44 (0)115 9515793, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)