30 Jun 2005
The Scottish NHS Confederation has called on the new legislation to ban smoking in public places to be properly funded if it is to have the desired impact, as the Scottish Parliament debates the final stage of the Bill today.
Scottish NHS Confederation Director Hilary Robertson said: "This Bill will make an indelible impact on public health for generations to come. It is therefore important that the provisions of the Bill are properly funded. As well as the landmark ban of smoking in public places, this Bill also contains very important provisions to modernise NHS dentistry and to expand and develop community pharmacy services. These are crucial to the Executive's health policy agenda of improving Scotland's health and providing services as close to patients as possible."
Ends
---
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.
For further information contact: Donald Crichton on 07775582123
Donald F Crichton
Communications Manager
Scottish NHS Confederation
Tel: 01786 434943
Mob: 07775582123
Last reviewed 6 Nov 2006