What steps it is taking to reduce the level of smoking by patients in mental health inpatient units.

The Scottish Government is driving forward a programme of action to improve the physical and mental well being of those with mental health problems, including by encouraging and promoting smoke-free lifestyles.
In March 2010, following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, we announced that new guidance would be prepared to help mental health residential service providers move towards establishing smoke-free environments. The aim of this guidance, which is being developed by NHS Health Scotland in consultation with key stakeholders and service users, will be to drive change at a pace which is acceptable to individual services, and, most importantly, to the service users themselves. The guidance will draw on best practice from residential mental health services which have already successfully implemented completely smoke-free policies. The guidance is expected to be published by the end of March 2011.
It is recognised, of course, that a key component of achieving smoke-free services is to ensure that appropriate stop smoking support and advice is available. With this in mind the Scottish Government is continuing to invest in NHS stop smoking services, over £40 million in this spending review period to enable NHS boards to provide high-quality and accessible services across their areas.
Moreover the Guide to Smoking Cessation in Scotland 2010
- Planning and Providing Specialist Smoking Cessation Services, published by NHS Health Scotland and ASH Scotland, includes guidance on how evidence-informed specialist stop smoking services should operate. This includes a recommendation that when working with people with mental health problems tailored smoking cessation advice should be provided and timely access to an intensive smoking cessation service, with fast tracking, should be offered where possible.