An MSP wants answers on “blatant” smoking violations outside Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart says constituents - many with lung conditions - have approached him on the issue of people smoking at both the main entrance and accident and emergency entrance at the hospital.
He has written to the health board’s chief executive, Cathie Cowan, to find out the number of notices issued and how the situation is being policed.
Mr Stewart said: “My constituents are having to walk through the smoke being carried into the entrances when the automatic doors open; resulting in them having to use their inhalers.
“The NHS Forth Valley website states ‘smoking is not permitted anywhere on our hospital grounds and it is now an offence to smoke within 15 metres of a hospital building’.
“It also states that ‘a smoker can face a fixed penalty notice of £50 or a fine of up to £1,000’. This type of blatant disregard for the rules and especially for people with lung conditions is outrageous. This cannot be allowed to continue as it is jeopardising the health of patients, staff and visitors and is exacerbating any pre-existing conditions they may have.”
An NHS Forth Valley spokesperson said: “We are working closely with local council partners as they have the responsibility and the powers to issue fines. However, it is recognised there are a number of challenges in monitoring and enforcement due to the capacity of council Environmental Health Departments across the country.”
