THE TELEGRAPH: Managers at two hospitals who banned smoking have been forced to back down over fears that staff and patients trying to light up illicitly could start a fire.
Patients, visitors and staff have repeatedly been caught flouting the no-smoking restrictions at the hospitals in Bournemouth, Dorset.
So for "Health and Safety reasons" the smoking areas have been brought back in – after firefighters were repeatedly called and staff have had to put out small bed blazes with water.
Patients have been caught smoking under the bedclothes, in stairwells, lavatories, storerooms, courtyards and even next to the oxygen store.
Employees were caught smoking in a total of 21 areas around the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and six at the Christchurch Hospital, Bournemouth, leading to piles of cigarette butts and debris forming.
After five years banning cigarettes on-site they have been allowed back – although only in designated areas. >>> | Monday, September 13, 2010
