As the Executive Sponsor for Preventative Health and Health Creation at Hampshire Hospitals, I am proud of our commitment to being a smokefree organisation. This isn’t just a policy—it’s a pledge to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff, and visitors. We know that quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health, and we are dedicated to supporting those who want to take that step.
Our decision to be smokefree is backed by clear, evidence-based benefits. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK, responsible for around 76,000 deaths annually and contributing to conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 2024, an estimated 152,000 people in Hampshire smoked, leading to around 4,500 deaths and 8,600 hospital admissions annually. However, the benefits of quitting begin almost immediately: within 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure drop; within 48 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal; and within a year, the risk of heart disease is halved compared to that of a smoker.
The benefits for patients
Patients who stop smoking experience significant improvements in recovery times and overall health outcomes. Research has shown that quitting smoking before surgery can reduce post-operative complications by 50% and improve wound healing. For expectant mothers, quitting reduces the risk of stillbirth and improves birth outcomes.
Furthermore, hospitals should be places of healing. For someone admitted with a smoking-related illness, being in an environment that actively supports quitting can be the catalyst they need to make a lasting change. By integrating smoking cessation advice into routine care, we ensure that every patient who smokes is offered the support they need. Our partnership with local stop smoking services means that tailored, evidence-based interventions are available to all who need them.
The benefits for staff
Our smokefree policy isn’t just about patients—it’s about our staff too. Healthcare professionals are at the forefront of promoting healthy lifestyles, and by maintaining a smokefree environment, we reinforce our role as champions of wellbeing.
There is strong evidence that smokefree workplaces reduce smoking prevalence among staff, encourage more people to quit, and decrease overall cigarette consumption. This means fewer sick days, improved productivity, and a healthier, more energised workforce. Additionally, as second-hand smoke remains a serious health hazard—linked to an increased risk of heart disease and cancer—we have a duty to ensure our hospitals are safe and healthy spaces for all.
A personal story: Supporting a loved one to quit
I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that quitting smoking can have. A younger family member started smoking at school, initially as a way to fit in with friends. What began as an occasional habit soon turned into a daily addiction. She didn’t realise how dependent she had become until she started experiencing breathlessness and took longer to recover from respiratory infections.
At first, she struggled to quit, feeling overwhelmed by cravings and stress. But with weekly support from a stop smoking advisor, she agreed a quit date, cut down and found healthier ways to manage stress. She used nicotine replacement therapy, joined an online support group, and received encouragement from her family and friends.
After three months of determination and support, she finally quit smoking for good. Now, she feels healthier, more energetic, and is back to engaging in activities she loves without struggling to breathe. Most importantly, she is proud of her decision to prioritise her health and encourages her friends to do the same.
A smokefree future
Going smokefree is about more than just policies and rules—it’s about creating a culture of health and empowerment. We understand that quitting smoking is a deeply personal and sometimes difficult journey, but no one has to do it alone. Whether you’re a patient, a visitor, or a member of our staff, there is support available.
If you or someone you know is thinking about quitting, I encourage you to take that first step. Speak to a healthcare professional, reach out to our local stop smoking service Smokefree Hampshire, and remember that every effort counts. At Hampshire Hospitals, we are here to help you breathe easier, live longer, and enjoy a healthier future.
Together, we can create a smokefree generation.
References
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). (2023). The Benefits of Stopping Smoking.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Smoke-Free Policies: Improving Health and Saving Lives.
NHS. (2023). Smoking and its Effects on Health.
Public Health England. (2022). Smoking and Pregnancy.
Royal College of Surgeons. (2022). Smoking and Surgery: The Risks and Benefits of Quitting.
