It is now an offence for anyone to smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building. This applies to everyone, including staff, patients and visitors to our hospital sites.
The new law applies to all NHS hospital buildings in Scotland and includes all awnings, canopies, or other overhanging structures connected to an NHS hospital building (even if they extend further than 15 metres from an NHS hospital building).
This short video explains the new legislation.
FAQs For Patients and Visitors
Why has this legislation been brought in?
NHS Boards have had voluntary smoke-free grounds policies in place since 2015, however there has been significant issues around compliance with people continuing to smoke on hospital grounds, in some instances congregating near entrance doorways and windows creating a hazard for others.
The introduction of a legally enforceable smoke-free perimeter is designed to support existing voluntary smoke-free grounds policies by making it socially unacceptable to smoke within a health-promoting environment.
Why can’t I smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building?
Our hospitals are used by many people who are particularly vulnerable to the harms and irritations caused by second-hand smoke. Keeping all areas around hospitals free from health-harming hazards benefits everyone.
What happens if I smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building?
If you are found smoking within the 15 metre perimeter you will be asked to stop smoking right away or you could receive:
- A fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days)
- £1,000 fine if taken to court.
Is this legislation an infringement on people’s right to smoke?
No, the legislation is not banning people from smoking, but to support compliance with NHS smoke free grounds policies prohibits smoking within 15 metres of a hospital building.
Can e-cigarettes be used on NHSGGC grounds?
E-cigarettes can be used on NHSGGC grounds by patients, visitors and staff. However, they are not permitted within our buildings or at building entrances and exits.
What help is available to help me stop smoking if I am a patient?
Coming into hospital presents many patients with an ideal opportunity to stop smoking. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is committed to providing practical help, support and advice to patients who wish to take advantage of this opportunity.
You can ask ward staff for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help with any withdrawal discomfort that you may experience during your hospital stay, as you will be unable to smoke.
If you are ready to stop smoking, you can ask a member of staff to refer you to the Quit Your Way hospital stop smoking service. A trained stop smoking advisor will contact you to guide and support you through your quit attempt –including organising NRT, if you feel that this will help you.
On discharge, you will go home with a supply of NRT along with information on how to continue to access your product through your local community pharmacy. Ongoing telephone support is provided by the Quit Your Way stop smoking service.
What help is available to help me stop smoking if I am not a patient?
Our free and friendly local Quit Your Way stop smoking services can hugely increase your chances of having a successful quit attempt and staying stopped for good. We have various support services available to help you stop smoking including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). To find out more, visit Quit Your Way or call our team on 0800 916 8858 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm).