THE looming hospital smoking ban has divided opinion among mental health staff in Kirklees.
From January 1 all Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust property and grounds will be smoke-free.
But some mental health staff are unhappy about it.
One contributor to the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust website said: "I'm going to find it really hard to get through the day without smoking.
"I rely on my cigarettes to get me through the stresses and strains of my job and help me relax."
And another pointed out that many mental health patients liked to smoke.
They said: "Smoking can be thera- peutic for those in distressed states; not just patients but visitors.
"A blanket ban will be counter-productive to the long-term aim of a healthier nation."
But other mental health workers welcomed the ban.
One said: "This is fantastic news for non-smokers! It's about time people's health and human rights were recognised by the trust."
And another contributor supported the ban, even though it could upset some patients.
That site said: "The ban should be enforced - even if there is a possibility of violence.
"Do we not enforce treatment regimes when there is a possibility of violence?"
And some smokers supported the ban.
One said: "Although it's going to be really hard for us smokers I still agree with it.
"Smoking is a nasty habit, but it's a nasty habit I enjoy - just like drinking.
"Much as I'd like a drink at work I'm not allowed.
"So I suppose it makes sense that I'm not allowed to smoke either."
The comments were first published in October's edition of The Source, a monthly newsletter for mental health workers in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.
