Ipswich Hospital is introducing a complete smoking ban on its premises as a result on the government's recent White Paper on health. The Suffolk hospital is banning smoking from August 1 for staff and visitors following the report that said it aimed to have the NHS smoke free by 2006.
Acting chief executive Chris Dooley said that it was unacceptable that as a result of staff cigarette breaks, smoke could be smelt in its respiratory ward. Employees will be given resources to help them stop smoking if they wish before the ban is fully operational. Other hospitals within Norfolk are also considering a workplace smoking ban.