Operation to enforce smoking ban at Prince Charles Hospital

On 8^th June officers from the Council’s Public Protection Team and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board carried out a joint patrol at Prince Charles Hospital to ensure the ban on smoking on hospital grounds was being followed.

The ban was brought into place to ensure visitors are not affected by passive smoking risks, especially when visiting hospital for medical treatment. Hospital sites also contain highly flammable chemicals and materials, so an irresponsibly discarded cigarette could lead to tragic consequences.

The bans means that it is a criminal offence to smoke on hospital grounds and those found in breach stand to face a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice, or even prosecution.

During the patrol 10 people were found breaching the ban. One individual had an oxygen cylinder attached to their wheelchair whilst at the same time smoking a cigarette, so as well as breaching the ban this individual placed themselves and others at considerable risk, with the danger of the oxygen cylinder igniting.

Once approached, all individuals extinguished their cigarettes and were given the appropriate advice from the officers.  

Michelle Symonds, Portfolio Member for Public Protection, said: “As enforcers of this legislation our officers will take a balanced approach to the smoking ban.

“Initially we are using these operations to engage and explain the legislation, however we will move on to more robust enforcement actions should breaches continue to happen.”

Patients at the health board are offered support to manage smoking addiction through the offer of nicotine replacement treatments. Anyone wishing to smoke must do so at the two main entrances onto the site.