Smoking has been banned outside Ayrshire hospitals as part of a national clampdown.
Tough new legislation means that anyone who is found to be lighting up within 15 metres of a hospital building could be fined a £50 fixed penalty notice or a fine of up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.
The new anti-smoke laws come into force today and is the latest step in the Scottish Government's plan to create a a tobacco free Scotland by 2034.
The move is to stop patients or healthcare staff from facing second-hand smoke outside NHS hospital settings.
That means Ayr and Crosshouse hospitals are now effectively no smoke zones — with smoking banned from lighting up under canopies or overhanging structures.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran have shared information on the smoking ban on their social media pages today.
Public health minister Maree Todd said: “Everyone knows that smoking is bad for our health and hospital patients in particular should be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke."
NHS Scotland chiefs have asked smokers to be mindful in remaining outside the 15-metre perimeter to protect patients and staff.
ASH Scotland chief executive Sheila Duffy said: “We urge people who smoke to be considerate in remaining outside the 15-metre perimeter, ensuring hospital patients do not face unnecessary additional risks to their health caused by inhaling harmful substances.
“This is particularly important as Scotland challenges the normalisation of smoking on our journey towards becoming tobacco-free.”
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