The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has launched an initiative inviting schoolchildren to record short audio messages discouraging smoking outside hospital entrances. The messages will play over tannoy systems at Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital. The effort marks No Smoking Day on 11 March.

Dr George Gardiner, Medical Director of the Northern Trust, stated that visitors and families often complain about smokers gathering at main entrances and emergency departments. Parents have expressed concern about carrying newborn babies past smokers and exposing them to second-hand smoke. The Trust seeks to maintain smokefree sites and reduce exposure for patients, visitors and staff.

Round Tower Integrated Primary School and Nursery Unit in Antrim participated in the launch. Principal Mrs Monica Turner said pupils' voices can highlight smoking's effects on smokers and those nearby.

Schools can contact the Northern Trust's Corporate Communications team for guidance on recording and submitting messages. The Trust will share the recordings on social media.

The Northern Trust's Wellbeing Team provides free stop-smoking support, including face-to-face sessions at Antrim Area Hospital two mornings per week and at Causeway Hospital one day per week, plus telephone assistance. People can email healthandwellbeingteam@northerntrust.hscni.net or call 028 2563 5575. Dr Gardiner noted that quitting lowers risks of cancer, heart disease and stroke.