§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provision is currently available for patients in long-stay hospitals who wish to reside in a smoke-free environment.
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§ Mrs. CurrieThe Department issued guidance (in circular HC(85)22) to health authorities on promoting non-smoking on National Health Service premises. The general principle should be to discourage smoking as far as possible. In long- stay accommodation, however, which in many cases is the patients' home, greater flexibility may be necessary. Nevertheless, where smoking is permitted, it should be restricted to separate areas where it will not distress patients who are non-smokers.