The NHS is considering imposing a smoking ban that would include mental health facilities. This has sparked concern and controversy especially amongst direct care staff.
I experienced this not too many years ago at a mental health hospital that I was working at (prior to my injury) here in the US. There was a great deal of grumbling, especially from nursing staff (of which about 80% were smokers themselves). There was much talk of worries that patients would undergo too much stress from the inability to smoke and that behaviors would escalate and may become more violent. This was all speculation however the smoking ban initiative was unpopular and did not garner much staff support. Well, the initiative WAS successful. Regardless of staff resistance the initiative was approved and implemented. The end result was healthier staff, healthier patients, and increased safety (reduced risk of burns and fires) for all.
As a former smoker I understand the initial resistance to quitting and to greater restrictions for smokers, however if you have not yet quit please consider doing so. For a wealth of information that the tobacco companies do not want you to have visit Truth.com.
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