It was a real team effort to remove the last smoking shelter from the Derriford Hospital site today, in preparation of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust going smokefree on National No Smoking Day tomorrow (Wednesday 14th March 2012).

The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders joined hospital staff to remove the smoking shelter in Car Park B to signify that smoking will not be permitted on any of the Plymouth Hospitals’ sites from tomorrow.

Medical Director, Dr Alex Mayor, said: “The removal of our smoking shelters is one of the final steps towards us becoming a smokefree site. We really appreciate the support that the Marjon Plymouth Raiders have shown towards our move to become a smokefree site and would like to thank them for coming along to remove our shelter.

“We have been working hard to become smokefree and appropriately tomorrow, on National No Smoking Day, we will become entirely smokefree. Becoming smokefree is great news for Plymouth Hospitals and reinforces the Trust’s position as a health promoting organisation with a responsibility for the health of its patients, staff and visitors. The Trust Board are fully committed to making this work.”

The local stars, who are third in the BBL Championship and have the BBL Trophy Final to look forward to on Sunday (vs Newcastle Eagles at the Plymouth Pavilions), welcomed the opportunity to support our move to become smokefree.

Raiders’ Chief Executive, Dave Briggs said: “We’re delighted to help Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust with the removal of the smoking shelter at Derriford. It fits perfectly with our Hoops 4 Health scheme, where we educate children and families about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of living a healthy life. Congratulations to Dr Mayor and the staff at each of the Plymouth Hospitals’ sites for taking this bold and important step.”

The smoking shelter opposite the hospital’s main entrance is going to be taken away this weekend.

Last week and this week, representatives are manning a stand in the main concourse of Derriford Hospital to provide information, offer advice and support and make referrals to the Stop Smoking Service.

Did you know? …

• … Stopping smoking prior to admission to hospital improves the healing of wounds.

• … Giving up smoking prior to admission to hospital decreases blood pressure and heart rate.

• ... Your immunity improves if you give up smoking prior to admission to hospital.

• … Smoking makes it harder for you to recover.

Further information can be found, including information leaflets for patients and members of the public, on the Trust’s website: www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk