Smoking banned outside Forth Valley Royal Hospital

A 15-metre smoke-free perimeter outside hospitals in Scotland is being brought in today.

The regulations are aiming to reduce unnecessary risks to patient and visitor health. 

The smoke-free zone is being supported by charity ASH Scotland.

The charity say it will have a positive impact on protecting the health of non-smokers.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “People are asked not to smoke anywhere on our hospital grounds and this new law now makes it an offence to smoke anywhere smoke near hospital buildings and entrances.

“Many people who visit our hospitals are particularly vulnerable to the harms and irritations caused by breathing in second-hand smoke. Staff and visitors also find it very unpleasant to have to walk through clouds of smoke so it therefore benefits everyone to keep all areas around hospitals smoke-free.”

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Everyone knows that smoking is bad for our health and hospital patients in particular should be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

“This new law is the latest step in our bold plan to make Scotland tobacco-free by 2034 – building on our dedicated stop-smoking services and early intervention measures to stop youngsters picking up the habit altogether.

“Anyone looking to quit can contact the NHS QuitYourWay Helpline or speak to their local pharmacy to discuss the range of help available.”

ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy said: “Extending current legislation to include outdoor areas 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 to be considerate to ensure 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 smoking on our journey towards becoming tobacco-free.”