Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) has launched a new campaign aimed at tackling illegal smoking across its hospital sites, using striking visuals and audio messages to highlight the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Protecting Vulnerable Patients
The campaign, titled If you smoke, I smoke. Stop now, focuses on the impact of second-hand smoke on vulnerable patients, including children, pregnant women and those with serious health conditions such as cancer.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in Wales and is responsible for one in four cancers, as well as numerous life-limiting conditions.
Despite legislation introduced in 2021 making it illegal to smoke on hospital grounds in Wales, the issue persists.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, 85 complaints were made about smoking on ABUHB sites, with 70% of incidents reported at The Grange University Hospital.
“Smoking on Hospital Grounds Is Illegal”
Prof Tracy Daszkiewicz, executive director of public health and strategic partnerships at ABUHB, said: “Smoking on hospital grounds is illegal. This law is in place to protect our patients, staff and visitors from the harms of second hand smoke.
“Tobacco smoke contains 4,000 chemicals in the form of particles which go into the air as someone smokes. Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers by 20%-30% and coronary heart disease by 25%-35%.
“We are asking people to follow the law and respect the health of everyone by not smoking in any health and care setting. We share the frustration of those who have raised issues around people not following the law by smoking across our hospitals and we are in close conversation with our local authority partners to explore enforcement options across our hospital sites.
“Our new campaign highlights the impact of second-hand smoke and is about the protection of those who visit our sites. Free support to quit smoking is promoted across our messaging, as well as free nicotine replacement products for those staying in hospital who smoke.”
“Hospitals Must Be Places of Healing”
Dr Matt Brouns, consultant lead for respiratory at ABUHB, added: “Every puff of second-hand smoke poses a serious risk to our patients, particularly those with respiratory issues, low immunity, or underlying conditions. I see some of our sickest patients, our hospitals must be places of healing, not harm. If you smoke near a hospital, you are making others smoke with you. It’s time to stop.”
Visual and Audio Messaging Rolled Out
To reinforce the message, large-scale visuals have been installed at Grange University Hospital, Nevill Hall Hospital and Royal Gwent Hospital. These feature patients alongside Dr Brouns and highlight the personal impact of second-hand smoke.
In addition, loud hailers will broadcast messages recorded by local children, creating a dual approach designed to make the issue impossible to ignore.
Support to Quit Smoking
The Health Board’s Smoke-Free Environment Policy guarantees the right of every patient, staff member and visitor to breathe clean air on its sites. The updated signage and campaign form part of a wider effort to change behaviour and reduce the health risks associated with passive smoking.
Free help to quit smoking is available through the Help Me Quit website and QR codes on the signs linking directly to the service.
Prof Daszkiewicz added: “Every cigarette smoked outside our hospitals undermines our work and puts lives at risk. We’re taking a stand – for our patients, for our staff, and for public health.”