M2 Is the messaging about staff vaping consistent in NHS organisations across the UK?

Smoking is a worldwide global public health concern, with significant health effects. Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), has emerged as an alternative to traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) for smoking cessation. Guidance from Public Health England (PHE) in 2016 recommends that hospital trusts introduce vaping-friendly approaches to support smoke free sites, considering vaping distinct from smoking and allow vaping on hospital sites. 1 Most public places and workplaces are now smoke free, vape free.The current study aims to map out current vaping policies in NHS organisations. UK NHS organisations were contacted to provide current smoking policies, from each policy, information about vaping restrictions for staff was explored. 165 NHS organisations (England-137, Scotland-9, Wales-14, Northern Ireland-5) were contacted to obtain relevant smoke free policies, through freedom of information requests between June 2024–2025.151 policies were obtained, in 29.2% (44/151) vaping restrictions were stated to be the same as smoking restrictions. In 27.2% (41/151), vaping was prohibited on site in contrast, 33.1% (50/151) allowed vaping in outside areas, with a small number allowing vaping in designated areas (n=7) and some stipulating not within 10–15 metres of buildings (n=5). Inconclusive details about vaping were noted in policies from 11 NHS organisations (7.3%). There were conflicting examples where staff were or were not allowed to vape in uniforms openly with visible ID and in one policy vapes were available for purchase on hospital premises. The fire hazard potential of vapes was also highlighted in a small number of policies.Concerns have been highlighted about potential health risks and the influence of vaping on workplace environments, vaping prevalences continue to rise and a consistent approach is needed.Reference Public Health England. Use of e-cigarettes in public places and workplaces: Advice to inform evidenced-based policy making. Public Health England, 2016.