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Hospital Ban on Smoking Gets Watered Down Rethink After Patients and Staff Hit Out

Posted on: Tuesday, 20 September 2005, 15:01 CDT

HEALTH bosses in Glasgow today watered down plans for a smoking ban in hospital grounds after complaints from patients and staff.

NHS Greater Glasgow will allow smoking in hospital grounds for a year after a ban on lighting up in enclosed public spaces is introduced in Scotland next March.

But some staff say a ban is still "inhumane, discriminatory and unrealistic" whenever it is introduced.

The health board published its proposed clampdown on smoking in February and the original plan was to ban patients from smoking anywhere in hospital grounds.

However, staff were to be allowed to light up outside for a year.

But critics warned a blanket ban could push smokers into having a fly puff, increasing the danger of fires.

And others said allowing staff to smoke outside for a year could lead to clashes with patients denied the same right.

The health board today agreed a revised plan to allow both staff and patients to use "smoking areas" away from building entrances for a year.

The ban has received support from groups representing health professionals.

But city GP Colin Guthrie warned current nicotine replacement therapy was not strong enough for many smokers who might have to quit suddenly in hospital.

He said: "If patients are not permitted to smoke in hospitals then I believe NHS Greater Glasgow is being cruel and denying patients their human rights."

Dr Mary Hepburn, a consultant obstetrician, warned a ban would hit disadvantaged people more and claimed it would be "inhumane, discriminatory and unrealistic".

But North Glasgow medical director Dr Bill Anderson said: "There should not be a year's tolerance of smoking in the grounds."

Two years ago the health board was criticised for introducing smoking shelters for staff and patients at hospitals including Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Gartnavel General and the Western Infirmary.

It is not clear what will happen to the shelters when the ban comes into force.

john. mccann@eveningtimes. co. uk

Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)

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