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Assembly member Jennette Arnold with comedienne Arabella Weir
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Ex-nurse tells of 40-year battle to curb smoking
WITH just 100 days to the introduction of the nationwide ban on smoking in public places, Islington’s London Assembly member Jennette Arnold has described how as a nursing sister 40 years ago she battled to keep cigarettes out of her hospital.
Ms Arnold, chairwoman of the London Health Commission, said that in the early 1960s the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service would regularly bring cigarettes into her hospital in the Midlands to give to staff and patients on the surgical wards.
She was speaking at an event at the Garden pub, in Upper Street, Islington, on Wednesday, organised by Islington Council to promote the smoking ban which comes into effect in July.
Ms Arnold said that, looking back, it was difficult to believe how almost everyone used to smoke.
She said: “As a student nurse I was asked to buy cigarettes for old people dying of lung disease.
“They had smoked so much they needed the tobacco to actually trigger their respiratory system.
“I remember how the WRVS used to bring cigarettes for staff and patients on the surgical wards.
“But when I became a sister I insisted I would not run a surgical ward and allow smoking at the same time. I’d go onto the ward and I’d hear them say: ‘Quick, sister is coming...’ I’d say: ‘Now, Mr Smith, you choose, oxygen or tobacco? Oxygen, you stay here. Tobacco, and I’ll have you removed’.”
TV comedienne Arabella Weir, co-chairwoman of the parents’ and teachers’ association at Ashmount Primary School in Archway, said children found it difficult to believe that even their GP once puffed away.
“They smoked on buses, trains and in cinemas,” she said. “The local GP puffed away during intimate examinations.”
Islington environmental health officer Janice Gibbens said that the council was considering providing ashtrays outside public places.
Ms Gibbens said: “We hope publicans, restaurants and café owners will play their part and provide smoking bins. We also hope they will keep their frontages clean of cigarette litter.”
Meanwhile, the council will be providing free “stubbies” – small ashtrays that smokers can use, close up and take home.
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