Smoking ban issued across Dorset hospitals

Smoking is no longer allowed anywhere at any of the University Hospitals Dorset’s sites.

This means smoking tobacco products is no longer permitted anywhere at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals, as well as the trust’s off-site locations across Dorset. This includes entrances, car parks, and outdoor areas.

Considerate vaping is still permitted but must be at least three metres away from doors and windows.

Siobhan Harrington, chief executive at UHD, said: “The NHS increasingly cares for people with long-term health conditions, and we must do more to create an environment that supports healthier choices. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death, so we need to take proactive steps to prevent the very diseases we frequently treat.

“We are here to look after your health and we prioritise the well-being of our community, our staff, and our environment – providing a smoke-free environment and supporting people to quit is a really important part of that.”