Royal College of Anaesthetists welcomes the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The Government introduced its Tobacco and Vapes Bill to Parliament last week, marking a step forward in protecting the public, the NHS, and the economy from the significant harms of smoking and passive smoking. 

The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) and the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) welcome this new bill as a measure to improve public health.  

Our members are at the forefront of perioperative care and play a leading role in helping to support patients before, during and after surgery. Supporting patients to stop smoking is one of the most important factors in helping to reduce the risk of chronic ill health and complications from surgery.  

Smoking increases the risk of heart or lung complications following surgery, longer hospitals stays and the need for admission to intensive care. In addition, patients who smoke are twice as likely to get a wound infection and are 38% more likely to die after surgery than non-smokers. The RCoA and CPOC have developed a suite of resources to help our members support patients to stop smoking, as part of our wider work to improve perioperative care such as our Fitter Better Sooner campaign.  

Dr Claire Shannon, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said: 

“Smoking causes harm and is responsible for 80,000 deaths per year. By introducing bold measures to give people greater protection from the harms of smoking, this Bill has potential to save lives, support the NHS, and foster a healthier society.  

“While vaping carries fewer risks than smoking and can be an effective tool for smokers who are trying to stop, it’s important we protect children and young people by restricting the appeal and availability of vapes. 

“Measures in the Bill to reduce people’s exposure to passive smoking will give further protections to children and people who live with ‘invisible’ vulnerabilities such as heart disease, diabetes and asthma.  

“Our members are working hard to ensure the best possible health outcomes for all patients, and this legislation is a step in the right direction.”