Soon there will be no more smokers outside of the hospital door, as a ban on smoking anywhere on the hospital grounds is set to come into force on Valentine’s Day.
On February 14th the so-called “smoker’s hut” in the carpark of Wexford General Hospital will be bulldozed to kick-start the new policy, which will apply to all patients, visitors and staff.
A blue line will be painted at the entrances and there will be no smoking beyond these points, even in parked cars.
In a statement issued by the HSE, management stated: “It is important that hospitals are at the forefront of providing an environment that is committed to wellness and illness prevention and which supports patients and staff to stop smoking.”
Any patients that are admitted to the hospital will be asked if they would like to start nicotine-replacement therapy. They will also be supported to quit smoking.
If a patient’s admission is planned they are encouraged to begin NRT before they are admitted. Patients are encouraged to speak to their GP or consultant about this.