Surely smoking brings germs into hospitals?

AS someone who regularly has to arrive and depart from the bus stand nearest the UHCW entrance, I am becoming increasingly appalled that it is being used as a smoking shelter by members of the public and patients whilst we, as passengers, have to breathe in their smoke surrounded by a a carpet of discarded butts – why not use a bin?

There are regularly patients, some bare-footed, in pyjamas with drip stands and other medical equipment, in the bus stand and adjacent area. Recently it appears that clinical staff are accompanying patients in wheelchairs so they may indulge their habit. This can only get worse as winter approaches.

Until recently, there were security staff supposedly policing the situation from across the road, not that I actually observed them approach anyone. However, they now seem to have disappeared, meaning there is no deterrent at all and people are smoking nearer and nearer to the front entrance.

Surely allowing patients to go outside, lean on barriers, sit in bus shelters and the steps leading to A&E is totally unhygienic? What manner of germs are they and accompanying equipment transporting onto the wards when they return? More to the point, what risk to vulnerable patients with whom they may come into contact?

It makes a mockery of the “bare below elbow” policy for staff and hand gel, which is in liberal supply. Is it a ‘no smoking’ hospital or not, or merely paying lip service to legislation?

If it is not to be enforced, then could UHCW provide a shelter somewhere out the back away from the bus stops?

Gaile Allen Binley