FROM No Smoking Day (Wednesday, March 14) the UHB is planning to ban smoking on hospital grounds in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board – inluding at Llandough Hospital.

Executive director of public health Dr Sharon Hopkins said: “It’s the natural next step from May last year, when we were the first Welsh Health Board to declare our entrances smoke free, and make a commitment to going completely smoke free using a phased approach.

"From November 2011 we asked people to only use the smoking shelters on our sites, and from No Smoking Day, smoking will be banned across our hospital sites."

The move is subject to approval by the Board at its meeting on March 6.

"The board will be deciding between two options – a complete ban for everyone; and a ban, with shelters retained for distressed patients and relatives," she added.

"We recognise that people visiting our hospitals may be enduring stressful circumstances. However staff will no longer be able to smoke on hospital sites.

“We understand that some staff members will find this difficult, which is why dedicated support will be available for staff from the Stop Smoking Wales service.

"The in-house service will be focusing support on patients. Stop Smoking Wales is running a dedicated Quit Group for UHB staff, with the possibility of another being set up, subject to demand.” Dr Hopkins said: “The evidence is clear on the damage and cost associated with smoking addiction.

“We are taking this step to help to improve the health of staff and patients and to support smokers to quit. Quitting smoking improves outcomes and reduces the risk of complications during treatment.

“Of course it will also have an impact on the hospital environment. As well as litter, it will help to address the issue of smoke drifting into inappropriate areas and respond to the complaints we have had about staff working closely with patients whilst smelling of smoke.

“Our staff have a role to play as ambassadors for healthy living and promoting good health, and in working to change a culture in which it’s ok to smoke on a hospital site," she added.

"This takes time and commitment, so I’m pleased to see other UHBs also working to create smoke free environments.

“I’m delighted to say that since May last year, the numbers of people smoking outside our hospital entrances have reduced significantly, and I want to thank staff in particular for their support for the changes.

“Nobody would think lighting up in a restaurant is acceptable, and over time, I hope that nobody will think of lighting up near patients seeking treatment.

"Smoking is the number one cause of avoidable ill health and premature death in Wales. In this UHB, we are committed to helping to reduce smoking rates in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.”