English hospitals slow to catch up with PHE advice on allowing vaping

Most public hospitals in England ban vaping on their premises despite health advice from Public Health England (PHE) to allow it, according to a survey conducted by pro-smoking group Forest.

The report, “Prejudice and Prohibition: Results of a study of smoking and vaping policies in NHS hospital trusts in England”, found that fewer than half of National Health Service (NHS) trusts allow the use of e-cigarettes, even outdoors.

Out of 170 trusts surveyed, just 45% allowed vaping in the grounds and 19% inside their buildings.

The Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospitals Trust, in the Merseyside area of northwest England, was the most progressive when it came to allowing vaping, according to the report.