Title: Improving Polish Patient Health: A Case for Smoke-Free Psychotic Wards in HCP Hospital, Poznan Poland

Introduction:
The health and well-being of patients in psychiatric hospitals are of paramount importance. In recent years, the issue of smoking within hospital premises, particularly in the psychotic ward of the HCP Hospital in the public ward of a Polish hospital, has gained attention. This article aims to shed light on the detrimental effects of smoking inside the building, highlighting the lack of sufficient ventilation and the subsequent impact on patients and staff. Furthermore, we will explore the benefits of implementing smoke-free policies and propose alternative solutions to accommodate smokers while safeguarding the health of all individuals involved.

The Smoking Story:
Imagine a room, confined like an elevator, filled with smoke from cigarettes. In the psychotic ward, patients gather for smoking sessions of three, unaware of the harm they are inflicting on themselves and others. The dense smoke lingers in the air due to the inadequate ventilation system, seeping into the corridors where doctors and healthcare professionals tirelessly work. This environment poses significant health risks, both immediate and long-term, for all individuals within the vicinity.

Insufficient Ventilation and Smoke Exposure:
The lack of proper ventilation in the smoking room exacerbates the issue. The smoke spreads beyond its designated area, invading shared spaces, and compromising air quality. Corridors that doctors frequent become contaminated, exposing medical professionals, who should be safeguarding the health of patients, to secondhand smoke. This unintended exposure not only affects the doctors' health but also raises concerns about the spread of harmful particles to other areas of the hospital.

The Discovered Solution:
After careful examination, it becomes evident that simply relying on ventilation systems is inadequate to mitigate the risks associated with smoking within the building. The optimal course of action lies in completely removing the smoking room and walling it up. By eliminating the source of smoke, the risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure are significantly reduced. However, it is essential to address the needs of smokers and provide them with alternative spaces that accommodate their habit without compromising the well-being of others.

Alternative Solution: A Balcony with Plants:
Creating designated smoking areas, such as a balcony with abundant greenery, can provide a solution that caters to the needs of smokers while ensuring a smoke-free environment for patients and healthcare professionals. This open-air space with plants not only offers a pleasant atmosphere for smokers but also serves as a natural filter, absorbing and reducing the harmful chemicals emitted by cigarette smoke.

The Harmful Effects of Cigarette Smoke:
Cigarette smoke contains a myriad of toxic substances that pose severe health risks. To highlight the gravity of the issue, consider the experiment of burning two cigarettes dipped in a sugar solution. The resulting residue demonstrates the presence of tar and harmful chemicals, which are inhaled by smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoking is directly linked to various diseases, including but not limited to:

Lung Cancer: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for the majority of cases worldwide.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This progressive lung disease, characterized by obstructed airflow, is strongly associated with smoking.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications.
Respiratory Infections: Smokers are more susceptible to respiratory infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and influenza.
Asthma: Smoking exacerbates the symptoms of asthma and can trigger severe attacks in individuals with the condition.
Oral Health Issues: Smoking is a major contributor to oral health problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer.
Pregnancy Complications: Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in babies.
Macular Degeneration: This progressive eye disease, leading to vision loss, is more prevalent in smokers than non-smokers.
Erectile Dysfunction: Smoking impairs blood flow, contributing to the development of erectile dysfunction in men.
Premature Aging: The chemicals in cigarette smoke accelerate the aging process, causing premature wrinkles and skin damage.
Preventing the Effects of Smoking:
To mitigate the harmful effects of smoking, it is crucial to adopt comprehensive strategies:

Smoking Cessation Programs: Offering support, counseling, and resources to help individuals quit smoking.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of a smoke-free environment.
Smoke-Free Policies: Implementing and enforcing strict no-smoking policies within hospital premises and other public spaces.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Providing access to nicotine patches, gums, and other forms of nicotine replacement to aid in quitting.
Behavioral Therapies: Assisting smokers in developing coping mechanisms and alternative habits to overcome nicotine addiction.
Conclusion:
Creating a smoke-free environment within the psychotic ward of the HCP Hospital in Poland is a vital step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of patients and healthcare professionals alike. By eliminating the smoking room, ensuring sufficient ventilation, and providing alternative spaces such as a balcony with plants, we can effectively address the issue of smoking while accommodating the needs of smokers. It is crucial to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of smoking, along with implementing comprehensive measures to prevent these effects and promote a healthier future for all.