Enforcers target hospital smokers

The enforcers will be patrolling hospital grounds

Patients and visitors who smoke in hospital grounds will be met by a hit squad, according to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGCC).

The health board said eight cessation enforcers would patrol the grounds of all acute hospitals in Glasgow.

A spokeswoman said the enforcers would ask smokers to stub out their cigarettes. They will also offer advice on kicking the habit.

A pilot scheme was launched at Glasgow Royal Infirmary in March.

Hospital manager Rosie Cherry said: "We appreciate asking people to put out their cigarettes can be difficult.

Our customer service agents find people smoking right outside and next to the air filtration units which serve the cancer ward William Birse

"This is why we have brought on board this team who have received special training in handling difficult situations.

"They work in pairs, and politely ask people to extinguish their cigarettes."

Enforcers wear high-visibility green jackets.

Their role also includes sweeping up and keeping hospital grounds, car parks and paths tidy.

William Birse, of ACPOA, the firm which will operate the scheme, said: "It's one thing to ask a member of the public to stop smoking in a pub but it's quite something else when you consider that many people who are smoking outside a hospital are under a lot of stress or worse.

"For that reason, we have to be ultra sensitive when making such request.

"A very good example of how smokers may not realise exactly what they are doing, has been provided at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, where our customer service agents find people smoking right outside and next to the air filtration units which serve the cancer ward."