"Smoking outside A and E"

Dear troublecat

Thank you for telling us about your experience of smokers on our hospital site, we share your frustration. Over the years we have tried a number of things to overcome this problem; however it remains an ongoing challenge. I am sure you will be aware of the Government's campaign which includes a number of positive new initiatives, including additional signage on all hospital sites. In Fife we have appointed a Smoking Cessation Adviser and have also employed someone to approach people to ask them to put their cigarettes out. We have also, where practical, installed voice modules to ask people not to smoke. The challenge that we face is that there are a number of entrances and indeed a number of hospital sites in Fife and it simply is not possible to have a constant presence.

It is interesting that you chose to challenge those smoking, we believe that this is everyone's responsibility and would commend you for doing so. We are however sorry to hear about the response you got. We are trying very hard to change attitudes and make the habit of smoking at hospital entrances culturally unacceptable.

There is however no legislation disallowing the practice and we are therefore trying everything reasonable within available resources to make a difference. We are ultimately reliant on the compliance of members of the public and on their voluntary respect for the changes we are trying to make. It is recognised that changing a culture cannot be achieved overnight; however the Board is committed to taking every reasonable action to improve the situation.

Thanks again for taking the time to post on Patient Opinion

Regards

Louise Ewing