NHS Ayrshire & Arran is asking the public whether it should introduce a legally enforceable no-smoking area around hospital buildings.

Last month the Scottish Government opened its own consultation on measures geared towards ending the ‘continued flouting’ of policies asking people not to smoke on NHS premises.

A smoke-free perimeter would ensure people who are ill and whose health is vulnerable would be protected from toxic smoke drifting through windows, doorways and ventilation systems, the health board has said.

Although the Scottish Parliament has already passed legislation to make it an offence to smoke outside hospital buildings, perimeter distances and the wording of no-smoking notices needs to be established before penalties can be issued. The health board is seeking views on these points and others until the 13^th December.

“We are keen to gather local views on the three key matters as well as others, such as the use of Nicotine Vapour Products (NPVs),” explains NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s assistant director of public health Elaine Young.

“We have produced a short survey to capture the thoughts of Ayrshire and Arran residents, patients and staff and would encourage people to take a few minutes to complete it.

“We will collate comments and submit them to the Scottish Government for consideration. And will then use the guidance, which will be produced by Scottish Government, to refresh our current smoke free grounds policy.”