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.

Dr Brian Carey, a consultant geriatrician at Bantry General, said that the policy would provide an environment that promotes health and supports those who want to stop smoking.

“The facts are indisputable when it comes to the health gains; giving up smoking greatly improves a patient’s recovery,” he said.

Maureen Minihane, director of nursing at Bantry, said: “I want to reassure our staff and patients that we are not telling anyone that they must stop smoking, but we are asking people not to smoke in our hospital during their stay.”

Cork University Hospital introduced the policy three years ago. However, people continue to smoke in the plaza areas outside its main entrances.

A HSE spokesman said a recorded message is played over loudspeakers regularly to remind people that smoking is banned on the campus. He said hospital security staff are constantly reminding smokers of the policy.

* The HSE offers a range of supports for people who want to quit smoking: quit.ie, facebook.com/HSEquit, or the National Smokers’ Quitline 1850 201203.