Up in smoke? Linking patient assaults to a psychiatric hospital's smoking ban.

1. During a smoking ban in a large public psychiatric hospital, pre-ban predictions of escalating patient management problems due to the ban did not materialize. 2. One element of the smoking ban's success was the support available for patients to channel their frustrations constructively, and for staff to be creative within the limits of the smoking ban policy. 3. Since the adoption of the smoking ban, New Hampshire Hospital has produced a smoke-free and healthier environment for patients, staff, and visitors.