Press release: Bold move on smoking welcomed

17 Dec 2004

The Scottish NHS Confederation, the body that represents Scotland's NHS organisations, today (Friday December 17) welcomed the publication of legislation to ban smoking in public places as a bold move vital to improving health in Scotland.

Director Hilary Robertson said:  "Banning smoking in public places will be one of the most significant public health measures ever enacted in Scotland.  We believe it will not only protect people who do not smoke, but also that it will directly contribute to an overall reduction in smoking in Scotland.  Given Scotland's high rates of smoking-related diseases, this is a vital measure to support continued reductions particularly in heart disease and cancer. We hope that the legislation will be accompanied by investment in NHS smoking cessation services as a cost-effective measure to support the many smokers who already want to give up and the many others who will take that decision in the light of the ban."

The legislation also introduces free eye and dental checks and the Confederation agreed this was an important public health measure. However, Ms Robertson added: "These free checks must not be introduced at the expense of other services.  If they cannot be funded from within existing NHS board allocations without reducing other services, funding will be required to meet that gap."

- ends -

Notes for editors

The Scottish NHS Confederation is an independent membership body representing the majority of Scotland's NHS boards and special health boards.  We are committed to improving health policy and practice.

Contact details

For further information contact: Donald Crichton on 01786 434943 or 07775582123

Back to media centre