An evaluation of a smoke free environment policy in two Sydney hospitals

The Central Sydney Area Health Service introduced an Area-wide Smoke Free Environment Policy in May 2000, prohibiting smoking (except in designated areas) and requiring nursing and medical staff to manage nicotine withdrawal in their patients. This study assessed one aspect of the policy implementation process, by following up 68 hospitalised smokers after discharge, who were recruited through pre-admission clinics from two hospitals. Thirty-five percent of smokers recalled being told about the policy, 22% recalled being told information about designated smoking areas and 19% smoked whilst hospitalised. More than a third of inpatient smokers had problems with not smoking, or smoked while in hospital.