Method: All clinical and general staff at James Fletcher Hospital were invited to complete the survey prior to the introduction of the Smoke Free Workplace Policy.

Results: Two thirds of all staff that completed the survey (n = 183) were either supportive (34.4%) or strongly supportive (31.7%) of smoking being totally banned throughout Hunter New England Mental Health Services. Eighty nine per cent of all clinical staff surveyed (n = 86) believe that more than half of mental health patients smoke, and 59% of clinical staff thought a quarter of these patients would be willing to quit. Seventy four per cent of clinical staff thought the provision of smoking cessation interventions should be an integral function of their unit. However, only 17% reported receiving formal training specifically on smoking cessation interventions and 41% of clinical staff stated they did not feel competent to provide NRT.

Conclusions: Despite a majority of staff supporting the Smoke Free Workplace Policy, significant numbers of clinical staff reported concerns regarding their knowledge and skills in providing smoking cessation care to mental health inpatients.

Implications: Additional training and support is required for clinicians to feel competent in providing smoking cessation care for mental health inpatients.