New legislation which bans smoking within a 15-metre radius of NHS Lanarkshire hospital buildings is being welcomed by the health charity, ASH Scotland.
The Prohibition of Smoking Outside Hospital Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2022, comes into effect today (September 5) and has been introduced to protect people who don’t smoke from the harm of second-hand tobacco smoke, particularly within NHS healthcare settings.
It has also been introduced to ensure the NHS in Scotland is 'an exemplar in the promotion of good public health'.
NHS Lanarkshire has an existing No Smoking Policy where smoking and e-cigarettes are not allowed at or around doorways or anywhere on hospital grounds.
The health board instead offers free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to anyone who smokes to help them manage their nicotine withdrawal during their hospital visit.
Its free NHS stop smoking service, Quit Your Way, also provides support, information and NRT to all Lanarkshire residents who are ready to quit smoking, regardless if they have tried to quit before, and their families.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Extending current legislation to include outdoor areas in Lanarkshire will have the positive impact of protecting people from the harmful effects of breathing in toxic tobacco smoke through vents, windows or doorways while they are being treated and recovering in hospital.
“We urge people who smoke or vape to be considerate on all hospital grounds, ensuring hospital patients do not face unnecessary additional risks to their health caused by inhaling harmful substances. This is particularly important as Scotland challenges the normalisation of using tobacco and related products, on our journey towards becoming tobacco-free.”
Shirley Mitchell, manager at the health board's Tobacco Control Team, added: “Although we have a current no smoking policy within NHS Lanarkshire, which the majority of people who visit our hospitals follow, we welcome this new legislation to further support public health.
“This new regulation will help protect patients and visitors who don’t smoke from second-hand smoke, including our staff, but it may also encourage those who smoke to give NRT a try and seek support from our Quit Your Way service.
“We understand giving up smoking is not an easy thing to do, and all patients are welcome to call Quit Your Way for more information and support prior to their hospital visit to help settle any worries they have about managing their nicotine withdrawals during their time here.”
ASH Scotland encourages people aiming to quit smoking to call Quit Your Way Scotland on 0800 84 84 84, or visit the website.
Alternatively, support is available via GPs, local stop smoking service or community pharmacy for free person-centred support.