Smoking banned on ENTIRE Royal Stoke and Stafford Hospital grounds

The Royal Stoke Hospital and Stafford County Hospital are implementing a complete ban on smoking across their grounds.

All smoking shelters and designated smoking areas will be removed, reinforcing the hospitals' commitment to improving health and wellbeing for patients, visitors, and staff.

Dr Simon Constable, Chief Executive at UHNM, highlighted the importance of the change, saying, “We know that smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and premature death. As a major healthcare provider, it is our responsibility to create an environment that supports good health and protects people from the harm caused by tobacco and second‑hand smoke.”

Ryan Harvey, a 34-year-old patient from Crewe admitted to Royal Stoke University Hospital, shared his experience with the hospital’s Tobacco Dependency Service, stating that nicotine replacement therapy was vital for managing his cravings during recovery.

“When I was brought into hospital, it was first suspected that smoking might have been one of the causes of the brain bleed. I was advised to quit to give myself the best chance of recovery,” Ryan said.

Kimberly Perickathara, UHNM Tobacco Dependency Lead Nurse, emphasised the broader implications of the smoke-free policy, stating, “Creating a smoke‑free environment supports better recovery, reduces hospital admissions and prevents long‑term illness. This small change in our daily environment will have a huge impact on the health of our community.”

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