Enforcement officers with powers to issue spot fines to smokers are being brought in to help clear the air at Ninewells Hospital.
Anybody caught smoking in breach of the law or dropping a cigarette end or any other litter on the site could face a £50 spot fine.
Officers from the city council’s environmental health and trading standards section will start patrolling the Ninewells site, armed with fines notices, from Monday, August 9.
More than four years ago NHS Tayside brought in a smoking ban across all its sites, including in the grounds of hospitals and health centres. The only exception is for in-patients who are allowed to smoke in a designated area on level 6 at Ninewells, beneath the main entrance to the hospital.
However, patients, visitors and even some staff have continued to flout the ban.
NHS Tayside admits it has no powers to enforce the smoking ban in the grounds as legislation covers smoking in enclosed places and it is not against the law to smoke outside, but the health authority is insisting employees abide by its policy and is now stepping up its efforts to create a no smoking culture, launching a 12-month pilot with the council and bringing enforcement officers to Ninewells.
They will use persuasion and the threat of spot fines, with NHS Tayside saying their “key role” is to remind all site users that smoking is not permitted in the grounds. Officers will encourage those wishing to stop smoking and direct them to NHS Tayside smoking cessation services.
Part of their job will be encouraging people not to drop litter, including cigarette ends, and issuing fixed penalty notices to this effect.
Paul Ballard, deputy director for public health, said, “To lead by example and develop a smoke-free culture, NHS Tayside has a smoke-free grounds policy for everyone except in-patients. In-patients are encouraged to quit smoking and are offered support whenever they come into hospital but for those who feel unable to stop, an external designated shelter is provided.
“There is also a dedicated smoke free service at Ninewells, offering a friendly supportive service for in-patients, out-patients, visitors and staff. Ongoing support is offered on discharge from hospital to community groups, pharmacies or GP practices.
“Evidence shows that, if asked, people will stop smoking or move off NHS grounds to smoke. The introduction of enforcement officers means more people being signposted to our stop smoking services, and we believe this will make a difference to many smokers who want help to quit.
“Giving up smoking is the single most important lifestyle decision anyone can make to improve their health immediately. Developing a smoke-free culture is a long-term process. We have already seen signs of more people not smoking on NHS sites in Tayside, and many examples of people giving up smoking as a result of the no smoking policy.”
Anyone keen to stop smoking should call Tayside Smoking Helpline on 0845 600 9996, where they will be offered helpful information.