Smoking ban signalled in Grampian

NHS Grampian plans the smoking move for 2008

Staff and patients are set to be banned from smoking in the grounds of hospitals in North East Scotland.

NHS Grampian is investigating how to implement a full ban at some stage next year.

Shelters outside buildings including Aberdeen Royal Infirmary would be removed and smoking would be prohibited across the health authority's estates.

Other health boards across Scotland have already introduced similar smoking restrictions.