Three Southern hospitals to ban smoking on their grounds in new year

Smoking is to be banned on the grounds of three major hospitals in the South in the new year.

The HSE confirmed yesterday that Bantry General Hospital, Mallow General, and Kerry General will be declared smoke-free zones on Jan 6, with smoking prohibited on the general hospital grounds. The policy will apply to all staff, patients, visitors, and contractors.

A survey conducted at Bantry General revealed that 85% of patients and 71% of staff (including smokers) supported the plans.