The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is urging patients and visitors to continue not to smoke or vape on site.
A no-smoking policy was implemented at the Harlow-based hospital in 2017, which also included Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford, and St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping.
Anyone caught smoking or vaping, including the hospital car parks, will be challenged by staff and security teams who are part of the smoke-free NHS campaign.
A statement from The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: “Second hand smoke is dangerous - people who breathe in second hand smoke regularly are more likely to develop the same diseases as smokers, including lung cancer and heart disease.
“Second hand smoke is also a risk for all of our patients, visitors and people with respiratory issues.”
The Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust is campaigning to have a smoke-free NHS
Under the NHS England Five Year Forward View, all trusts are working to have fully smoke-free sites by spring this year.
Pregnant women exposed to passive smoke are more prone to premature birth and their baby is more at risk of low birth weight and cot death.
Children exposed to smoky environments are at a higher risk of breathing problems, asthma, and allergies.
Michael Meredith, director of strategy and estates, said: “Please consider the health of other patients, visitors and our people by leaving the hospital site if you wish to smoke.
“We offer stop-smoking support to our patients, including referrals to smoking cessation services, to help them to quit smoking and improve their health and wellbeing.
“With the support of our patients and visitors, we can ensure that our site is smoke-free at all times.”
In October 2019, the Government announced funding would be provided to PAHT to rebuild a £500m new hospital in Harlow for patients, community and people.
Details around the funding and the timeframe are currently being finalised and with the full business cases to be finalised.
For more information on how to quit smoking or vaping, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree
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