Buckley Hall shining example at smoke free prison conference

Date published: 16 March 2007

Primary Care Trust (PCT) Prison staff presented at a National Smoke Free Prison Conference as shining examples of how Buckley Hall is leading the way in the battle to become combat smoking in prisons.

The conference at the Midland Hotel, Manchester explored the impact of new smoke free legislation and how it will affect prisons. The aim of the day was share evidence of successful practices that have helped prisoners wishing to stop smoking and identify factors that influence successful stop smoking strategies.

Tracy Dolan, Smoking Cessation Nurse and Francis Carbery, Health Promotion Project Manager for Prison Health shared their examples of best practice of how they have overcome the major issues in relation to smoking and prisons.

Currently Buckley Hall accounts for almost 25% of all PCT recorded 4 week quit rates. It is believed that incentives such as extra gym sessions and the reward of fresh fruit is responsible for persuading more and more prisoners to quit smoking for good.

As a general rule prisoners are offered Stop Smoking counselling each week for up to 12 weeks which again has proved successful in helping prisoners kick the habit.

Staff led by example and the prison holds popular Stop Smoking Clinics especially for staff. So far 29 members of staff at Buckley Hall have attended the smoking cessation classes since January 2007.

Soon the introduction of the NHS accredited Health Trainers Scheme will be extended to Buckley Hall which will give prisoners the opportunity to qualify as dedicated health leaders who will work with other inmates to promote the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and well being.

Frances Carbery said of the conference: "The Conference provided an ideal opportunity to share ideas and good practice around working towards becoming a smokefree prison. There were delegates from prisons across the country. With the introduction of a new Prison Service Instruction around smoking in April, and the subsequent legislation in July, this was an important event in making people aware of the necessary changes that would need to be implemented beforehand."