The Practice is committed to maintaining a workplace that promotes the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, patients, visitors and members of the public. Furthermore, the Practice has a duty of care to ensure that those working in or visiting the premises can do so in an environment that is free of tobacco smoke.
In line with smoke-free legislation laid down in the Health Act 2006, smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), is prohibited in all enclosed/substantially enclosed (indoor) premises and parts of the building, around doorways and entrances and in any vehicles used for work. Note, an enclosed space is defined as an area where there is a ceiling or roof, with walls (including doors and windows) around all or at least half the perimeter (outside edge). This is defined as enclosed or substantially enclosed.
In accordance with the legislation, failure to comply is a criminal offence and both the organisation and anyone who smokes in an area that is not permitted are liable to a fine and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
The NHS offers a range of free services that can help anyone wishing to stop smoking.