East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust will become smoke-free from April 2025.

From April, smoking on our four hospitals sites – Hertford County Hospital; Lister Hospital, Stevenage; Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood; and the New QEII Hospital, Welwyn Garden City – will no longer be permitted.

All smoking shelters will be removed over the next month. Designated areas for vaping will be set up to support those wanting to quit smoking. All smoking shelters will be removed over the next month, and a new designated areas for vaping will be set up to support those wanting to quit smoking and located opposite the Treatment Centre at Lister Hospital.

A recent study showed that 82% of hospitals across the UK prohibit smoking on wards and on hospital grounds.

Smoking rates continues to decline, but an estimated 99,414 adults in Hertfordshire still smoke. It remains a leading cause of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses and diseases.

Dr Justin Daniels, Medical Director at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, said: "Becoming a smoke-free Trust is an important move to protect the health of our patients, staff, and visitors. This change aims to make each hospital a cleaner and safer space for everyone. We are committed to supporting patients and staff who want to quit smoking."

Dr Alex Wilkinson, a Respiratory Consultant at the Trust, added: "Smoking is one of the biggest causes of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and many cancers. By creating a smoke-free hospital environment, we are not only reducing exposure to harmful secondhand smoke but also encouraging people to take steps towards a healthier future."

Sarah Perman, Director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council said: "I'm delighted that East and North Hertfordshire Trust is adopting a smoke-free policy. Smoking continues to be the main cause of premature death and preventable illness in the UK, accounting for approximately 122,000 deaths each year. The Trust's actions will go a long way to increase success rates for those who are trying to give up smoking and to support a healthy smoke-free environment for staff and patients.

"The decision to continue to allow vaping in designated areas recognises the needs of those who are using vaping as a tool to help them make the switch from smoking tobacco."