HRI shelters to stub out smoking at hospital reception

May 29 2009 By Anne-Marie Senior

At the royal infirmary they will be at the front of the main car park, away from the main entrance, outside accident and emergency, on South Drive and at the entrance off Occupation Road.

At Calderdale Royal they will be placed in the car park to the left of the main entrance, outside accident and emergency, near the Children’s and Women’s Services building and at the hospital’s old main entrance.

Frank Gibbons, director of estates and facilities, said: “After discussions with our patient and staff groups we believe that this is the most appropriate outcome.

“The Trust remains totally committed to no-smoking on the premises and wishes to keep our entrances and exits smoke-free for the benefit of our patients and visitors.”

The Trust went completely smoke-free in October 2006 in all buildings and grounds.

The policy arose from guidance in a document called “The case for a completely smoke-free NHS England” which stated that smoking should not be permitted anywhere in hospital buildings or grounds.

In July 2007, Smoke Free England declared hospital main entrances were “non-substantially enclosed premises” and shelters in the grounds would be permissible.

The Trust will also be offering advice to anyone wanting to quit smoking.