Smokefree RWT

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) is officially smoke free for staff, patients and visitors.

This is because second-hand smoke is proven to be very harmful to people’s health. Smoking remains the largest preventable cause of death in Wolverhampton and is responsible for more than 2,000 hospital admissions every year.

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on any of our Trust sites – including on the grounds, outside building entrances and in vehicles. This applies to patients, visitors and staff.

For those who choose to vape or use e-cigarettes, there are designated vaping shelters (“Quit Zones”) in public areas. Please note these are for vaping only, not for smoking. The shelters are the only places on our sites where vaping is permitted.

Patients who smoke, who are admitted to one of our wards, will be offered specialist support, including medications to help them stay smokefree during their stay, and advice on the best ways to quit smoking after they are discharged from hospital.

Please note:

• If patients arrive at hospital with tobacco it will be put in storage until discharge.
• Patients visiting for a planned appointment should charge e-cigarettes before visiting, as we cannot charge these on site due to fire and safety regulations.

Quitting smoking will bring immediate benefits to your health, including if you have an existing smoking-related disease. Visit NHS Smokefree for a number of helpful resources, including:

• Everyone Health, the Staffordshire based lifestyle service, can answer any questions about quitting smoking, losing weight or leading a more active lifestyle. Please note eligibility criteria applies. For more information visit Staffordshire Everyone Health – Stop Smoking
• Dudley residents: Let’s Get – Get Help to Quit
• Sandwell residents: Healthy Sandwell – What Support is Available

Nicotine replacement products can be bought from the pharmacies at New Cross and Cannock Chase Hospitals. A variety of gum, patch and spray products are available. NHS staff are entitled to 10 per cent discount at these stores.

Your Midwife, Health Visitor or Doctor will refer you to the Stop Smoking Team, but you can also contact the team by email at maternitysmokingcessationteam@nhs.net or by calling 01902 307999 ext. 86307, or 07787285463 (Sharni) or 07811524275 (Amanda).