Woodside Fountain Health Centre is an NHS Grampian building and therefore we are subject to NSH Grampian policies and procedures.
The NHS in Scotland is now totally smoke-free. That’s because our job is to protect people’s health, whether patient, visitor or staff. To do this we need to make sure our grounds are the healthiest environments they can be.
That means we can’t allow smoking anywhere, on any NHS grounds.
That means you can’t smoke outside hospitals, health centres or GP surgeries, or in NHS car parks or gardens.
Q. Why can’t I smoke outside?
The NHS exists to look after people’s health. Even smoking outside can harm those visiting and working in NHS buildings. For example, every time you smoke, you breathe out second-hand smoke. 85% of second-hand smoke is invisible and odourless, yet it can spread through open windows, doors and ventilation shafts, harming those inside.
Q. Can I use e-cigs on NHS grounds?
E-cigarettes are not allowed in NHS Buildings or on the majority of NHS grounds. This is because they are not currently regulated as a tobacco product or a medicine in the UK, and we can only recommend products that are known to be safe and effective. E-cigarettes can also mimic the look of smoking, which may make it harder for others not to smoke.
If you wish to get help and advice to stop smoking
The best thing is to find out what’s right for you. You can get free advice from:
- your GP
- your local pharmacist
- Smokeline – call free on 0800 84 84 84