I’ve recently witnessed firsthand the unnecessary harm caused by the NHS’s “no smoking on site” policy — especially in mental health hospitals. While I don’t advocate for smoking as a healthy lifestyle, I do believe that denying patients access to what, for many, is a coping mechanism during times of extreme distress is not just unhelpful — it’s cruel.
A loved one of mine was recently sectioned at Holford Ward in Taunton. During a ward review, the doctor granted him leave. He was hopeful. He believed he could finally go outside for a smoke after being denied one for over a week. He’d even managed to get a couple of roll-ups from another patient, thinking that, like the previous hospital, he could go out with me. But the staff said no.
As the situation escalated, so did his distress. He began to panic, banging the door in frustration. I pleaded with the staff to just let him have a cigarette to calm him down. Instead of showing empathy, they refused and turned on me, accusing me of making the situation worse. In the end, several staff physically pushed me out of the building. I was shaken, humiliated, and heartbroken. I’ve since requested to see the video footage of the incident, because I believe I was treated unfairly and the situation was mishandled.
This is just one example. I’ve seen other patients become distressed over the same issue. For many experiencing mental health crises, cigarettes are a form of control, familiarity, and temporary relief. Denying that without offering genuine, compassionate alternatives just causes more harm.
Mental health hospitals are not like general hospitals. The people in these wards are vulnerable. They need understanding, not punishment. Until policies like the smoking ban are applied with empathy and flexibility, we will continue to traumatise those we are supposed to help.
I’m speaking up because this isn’t just about one incident. It’s about a pattern. It’s about listening to patients, families, and frontline staff who see the consequences of these rigid rules every day. It’s time we rethink how we treat people in crisis.
We need policies that put people first. We need care that heals, not harms.
If you’ve experienced or witnessed something similar, I encourage you to speak up. Together, we can push for a mental health system that treats people with dignity, respect, and real support.
