Post by madhatter on Aug 9, 2006 13:15:05 GMT 1
NURSES were today ordered to "stub it out" – even when going home.
Staff at Lancashire Care Trust – which runs mental health services across the Fylde coast – are now banned from lighting up while wearing their uniform or ID badge.
It is part of a tough clampdown on tobacco that states workers may not be seen smoking in public places while in uniform, even if off-duty.
The new Smoke Free Policy, brought in this week, also forbids staff from having a cigarette in their own cars while on trust business or in cars parked on trust premises.
Those who fail to comply with the ban could face disciplinary action if they repeatedly flout the rules.
Trust bosses also expect staff to refrain from lighting up when they attend meetings or other events at venues when smoking is allowed.
A spokeswoman said: "Staff are being asked to not smoke while in uniform for example if they were on their break and going to the shop or if they were out and about in the community seeing patients when walking down the street."
But pro-smoking lobby Forest (Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Tobacco), today labelled the new policy "ridiculous" and "petty".
Director Simon Clark said: "It's one thing to say people cannot smoke at work, but it's totally different to stop them smoking in their own car or on their way home.
"Are people who have the temerity to light up on their way home after a stressful day at work to be sacked? What's next? Will bosses stop nurses having a drink on their way home?"
The moves are part of a wider policy to completely stub out smoking at Lancashire Care Trust, in line with Government white paper Choosing Health.
Other local NHS trusts have already announced their plans to go smoke-free, including bans extending to car parks.
Uniformed professionals elsewhere have not been hit with such strict demands.
Lancashire Ambulance Trust does not allow staff to smoke in uniform while on NHS premises, including in ambulances. The police do not stop workers lighting up while off duty in uniform.
www.blackpooltoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=62&ArticleID=1674917
This is the start of it, the start of a total smoking ban. When this gets accepted as acceptable it will pave the way.
Staff at Lancashire Care Trust – which runs mental health services across the Fylde coast – are now banned from lighting up while wearing their uniform or ID badge.
It is part of a tough clampdown on tobacco that states workers may not be seen smoking in public places while in uniform, even if off-duty.
The new Smoke Free Policy, brought in this week, also forbids staff from having a cigarette in their own cars while on trust business or in cars parked on trust premises.
Those who fail to comply with the ban could face disciplinary action if they repeatedly flout the rules.
Trust bosses also expect staff to refrain from lighting up when they attend meetings or other events at venues when smoking is allowed.
A spokeswoman said: "Staff are being asked to not smoke while in uniform for example if they were on their break and going to the shop or if they were out and about in the community seeing patients when walking down the street."
But pro-smoking lobby Forest (Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Tobacco), today labelled the new policy "ridiculous" and "petty".
Director Simon Clark said: "It's one thing to say people cannot smoke at work, but it's totally different to stop them smoking in their own car or on their way home.
"Are people who have the temerity to light up on their way home after a stressful day at work to be sacked? What's next? Will bosses stop nurses having a drink on their way home?"
The moves are part of a wider policy to completely stub out smoking at Lancashire Care Trust, in line with Government white paper Choosing Health.
Other local NHS trusts have already announced their plans to go smoke-free, including bans extending to car parks.
Uniformed professionals elsewhere have not been hit with such strict demands.
Lancashire Ambulance Trust does not allow staff to smoke in uniform while on NHS premises, including in ambulances. The police do not stop workers lighting up while off duty in uniform.
www.blackpooltoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=62&ArticleID=1674917
This is the start of it, the start of a total smoking ban. When this gets accepted as acceptable it will pave the way.