Smoking Ban Scotland Nhs

Smoking Ban Extended to Outdoor Areas of NHS Hospitals in Scotland

New Law Prohibits Smoking Within 15 Meters of Hospital Buildings

Effective September 5, 2022

A new law has come into effect in Scotland, making it an offense to smoke within 15 meters of any NHS hospital building. The legislation, which was introduced on September 5, 2022, applies to all NHS hospital buildings, including awnings, canopies, and any other overhanging structures connected to the building.

The ban is part of the Scottish Government's plan to create a "tobacco-free Scotland" by 2034. It is intended to protect patients, staff, and visitors from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

According to the Scottish Government, around 8% of adults in Scotland smoke. However, the rate of smoking is significantly higher among people who are hospitalized. A study by the University of Edinburgh found that 20% of patients in Scottish hospitals smoke.

Secondhand smoke is a major health hazard, and it can cause a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory infections. The Scottish Government estimates that secondhand smoke causes around 1,200 deaths in Scotland each year.

The smoking ban is intended to reduce the exposure of patients, staff, and visitors to secondhand smoke and to improve the overall health of the Scottish population.

Anyone who is caught smoking within 15 meters of an NHS hospital building could be fined up to £1,000.