NHS trust lifts vaping ban on hospital grounds

A hospital trust in England has lifted its blanket ban on people using e-cigarettes on its grounds.

The Nottingham University Hospitals Trust made the decision to ban vaping on its sites two years ago, but will allow it again after a review by Public Health England suggested it is 95% safer than tobacco cigarettes.

People who wish to use e-cigarettes will be able to do so on hospital grounds, but not inside, while the ban on smoking tobacco will remain.

The change in policy was aimed at helping people who are trying to give up smoking tobacco, the trust said.

Dr Stephen Fowlie, medical director at the trust, said: "We have a duty to help our patients and staff make healthy life choices, and can't ignore the potential benefits of electronic cigarettes as a nicotine replacement therapy."

Professor John Britton, director of the UK Centre for Tobacco & Alcohol Studies and respiratory consultant at the trust, said: "Helping smokers to quit is one of the most effective things that the trust can do to improve the health of patients.

"Approving the use of electronic cigarettes is an important step towards achieving completely smoke free hospitals in Nottingham."