Health charity welcomes 'positive impact' of new legislation on smoking outside hospitals
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A health charity has welcomed new legislation that prohibits smoking within a 15-metre radius of NHS Highland hospital buildings, saying it will have a positive impact.
The Prohibition of Smoking Outside Hospital Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2022, coming into effect today (Monday, is being introduced to protect non-smokers from the harm of second-hand tobacco smoke, particularly within NHS healthcare settings.
It also seeks to ensure the NHS in Scotland is "an exemplar in the promotion of good public health".
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Extending current legislation to include outdoor areas in Highland region 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 in remaining outside the 15-metre perimeter, 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.”
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 GP practices, local stop smoking services or community pharmacies.
People smoking within the new 15-metre perimeter outside NHS hospital buildings will risk facing a fixed penalty of £50 or a fine of up to £1000 if they are taken to court.
ASH – Action on Smoking and Health Scotland – aims to improve health and quality of life by "helping to create a society which supports young people in remaining tobacco-free, helps those who want to stop smoking, protects people from second-hand smoke and challenges the inequalities resulting from tobacco use".
