"Smoking"

Thank you for your recent email in relation to patients and staff smoking at the side of Phase 1, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline.

The Prohibition of Smoking Outside Hospital Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2022 came into force on 5 September 2022 with the introduction of a 15 metre no-smoking perimeter around hospital buildings..

Given the nature of the environment and the possibility that people in a hospital setting may be vulnerable or upset, enforcement should be conducted as sensitively as possible with emphasis on education and behavioural change.

Designated Community Safety Officers from Fife Council have the power to issue fixed penalty notices on those who smoke in the 15 metre no-smoking areas. There is no requirement, however, on the officers to have a continuous presence on hospital grounds.

I trust that this gives you some assurance around your concern.

Please direct any future concerns to Neil McCormick, Director of Property & Asset Management. Email address: andrea.barker@nhs.scot.

Dear Datcs59

My name is Siobhan McIlroy and I am the Head of Patient Experience. NHS Fife welcomes all feedback, so thank you for taking the time to post on Care Opinion. I am sorry for the delay in you receiving a response.

I note that Neil McCormack has provided you with a response. However, I am disappointed that staff are not complying with the no smoking regulations and I am so this has been your experience. This is not the standards or behaviour we expect from our staff and is unacceptable. This has been escalated to Senior Nursing Leadership by myself and all nursing staff will be reminded of the no smoking regulation.

Thank you again for sharing your story, best wishes and take care, Siobhan