Hospital reconsiders smoking ban

The ban was introduced after a consultation

A hospital in Cambridgeshire is to reconsider its ban on smoking anywhere on its site.

Addenbrooke's in Cambridge introduced the ban in 2006 after a consultation with staff and patients.

Now hospital managers are thinking about introducing outdoor shelters because people have continued to smoke outside entrances.

They also believe it is not always a good idea to ask patients and visitors not to smoke at times of stress.

Brenda Hennessey, director of patient experience, said: "What we've come to recognise is that some of our patients are getting very bad news and patients are stressed when they come into hospital.

"Visitors, too, can be very upset and that's not always the right time to ask people not to smoke."