Schoolchildren invited to help tackle smoking at local hospital sites

Pictured launching a new initiative aimed at stamping out smoking on hospital sites are Northern Trust Medical Director, Dr George Gardiner; Round Tower Integrated Primary School and Nursery Unit Principal, Mrs Monica Turner with pupils from P2 and P5

Local schoolchildren are being invited to lend their voices to a new campaign aimed at discouraging smoking outside hospital entrances — with the hope that hearing a child’s message could make smokers pause, reflect, and even consider quitting.

To mark No Smoking Day on 11 March, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust is asking pupils to record short audio messages which will be broadcast over tannoy systems at Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital.

The recordings will remind visitors that hospital sites operate a smokefree policy and encourage people to think about the impact smoking can have on patients, families and staff.

Trust leaders believe the simple but powerful approach — hearing a child’s voice asking people not to smoke — could be particularly effective in prompting smokers to show consideration around vulnerable patients.

Although smokefree rules are already in place across hospital sites, smoking still occurs in some areas, particularly outside main entrances and emergency departments. This can expose patients, visitors and staff to second-hand smoke.

Medical Director at the Northern Trust, Dr George Gardiner, said the issue is regularly raised by concerned families.

“We do get quite a few complaints from visitors and family members about smokers gathering outside the main hospital entrances, and at our Emergency Departments. Those complaining are understandably concerned about their loved ones breathing in second-hand smoke and the impact that this can have on their health.

“We often hear from parents in particular, who are anxious about having to carry their newborn baby past groups of people smoking and have asked us to take action.

“We know that nicotine is highly addictive and recognise that what we are asking is not easy. But we are also very mindful that we need to create a safe environment for all patients and staff. At the very least, we want our hospital entrances to be free from smoke, so this is really an appeal to people to show consideration for others.”

Schools encouraged to take part

Schools across the area are being encouraged to take part by helping pupils record short messages which will be played on hospital tannoy systems and shared on social media as part of the Trust’s wider awareness campaign.

Mrs Monica Turner, Principal of Round Tower Integrated Primary School and Nursery Unit in Antrim, said her school was pleased to support the initiative.

“We are delighted to have our pupils involved in this new initiative. Children’s voices can be so impactful and we think that this is a really positive way of reminding people of the effects that smoking can have not just on themselves, but also on those around them.”

Schools interested in taking part can contact the Northern Trust’s Corporate Communications team for guidance on message length, recording quality and submission details.

Support available to quit smoking

Alongside the campaign, the Trust is also reminding people that free help is available for anyone who wants to stop smoking.

Dr Gardiner said the health benefits of quitting are significant.

“There is a lot of free advice and support available so I would really encourage people to seek help to quit. Smoking has a dramatic impact on a person’s health and wellbeing and evidence shows that those who are able to kick the habit will lower their risk for cancer, heart disease and stroke, not to mention the significant savings you will make.”

Research shows people are four times more likely to quit smoking with support. The Northern Trust’s Wellbeing Team offers specialist face-to-face support sessions two mornings per week at Antrim Area Hospital and one day per week at Causeway Hospital, as well as telephone support.

Anyone seeking help can contact the team by emailing healthandwellbeingteam@northerntrust.hscni.net or calling 028 2563 5575.

With children now set to become the voices of the campaign, the Trust hopes the message will resonate — reminding smokers that hospital entrances should be safe, clean spaces for everyone.

At a glance

• The Northern Trust is inviting schoolchildren to record anti-smoking messages for hospital tannoy systems.

• The initiative coincides with No Smoking Day on 11 March.

• Recordings will be played at Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital.

• The campaign aims to reduce smoking outside hospital entrances where patients and visitors pass through.

• Complaints have been received from families concerned about second-hand smoke, including parents carrying newborn babies.

• Schools can submit recordings by contacting the Trust’s Corporate Communications team.

• Free stop-smoking support is available through the Northern Trust’s Wellbeing Team.