Smoking rules ‘ignored’ outside Royal Free Hospital

Published: 12th May, 2011
by TOM FOOT

SECURITY staff at the Royal Free Hospital are turning a blind eye to patients smoking outside the front entrance, according to a volunteer.

Smoking has been banned on the premises of the NHS hospital since the nationwide ban on lighting up in public spaces came into force in 2005.

An official complaint has been lodged with the Patient Advice Liaison Service (Pals) at the Hampstead hospital. 

Ralph Eschwege, who volunteers in the hospital shop, said: “Why are they not doing anything about this disgusting habit? There are lots of things they could do. They could make a smoking shelter.”

A Royal Free spokesman said: “We are increasing signage and are in the process of recruiting car park and environment officers who will be responsible for ­dealing with any issues outside the Royal Free.