On the 1st July 2008, the smoking ban will come into effect for all mental health institutions - both in the buildings and the grounds. Mental health patients are not allowed to leave the grounds to have a smoke but are more likely to smoke - 70% compared to the UK average of 26% - which is hardly surprising.
Two patients are taking their local NHS Trust to court under article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees respect for private and family life; another is taking on the Secretary of State for Health for introducing the law in the first place. You'd think common sense would allow a mental health patient the odd cigarette in an outdoor smoking area.
Prisons, however, will continue to remain exempt.
Are we seriously now treating prisoners and punishing patients?
