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Only one council in Scotland found to be fining smokers outside hospitals
Despite Scotland's 2022 smoking ban outside NHS buildings, which includes fines of £50 or up to £1,000 for breaches, only one council, Inverclyde, has issued fines for breaching the regulations. The law prohibits smoking within 15 meters of hospital buildings to protect patients from second-hand smoke and support the country's goal of being tobacco-free by 2034.
Jenni Minto, the public health minister in Scotland highlighted the sensitive nature of the hospital environment and said that “decisions around enforcement should be taken compassionately.”
Sheila Duffy of ASH Scotland argued that while fines should be a last resort, repeated offenders should be penalised to ensure patient protection from second-hand smoke. The regulations are considered a pioneering move in Scotland’s efforts to reduce smoking-related harm.
Source: The Times, 7 January 2025
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Obese patients and smokers required to have ‘prehabilitation’ before surgery under new government reforms
Under new government plans, obese patients and smokers may be delayed in receiving NHS surgery unless they are assessed as "fit to proceed." Patients waiting for hip and knee surgeries will be asked to complete a 12-week weight-loss program, while smokers will be encouraged to quit. These changes are part of efforts to reform the NHS and improve productivity, minimising complications and cancellations by preparing patients for surgery through "prehabilitation."
The plan includes requiring patients to be fit for surgery before receiving a date for their procedure. Smokers who quit at least four weeks before surgery reduce their risk of complications by up to 30%. While weight and smoking advice is often given, the new policy will make it a requirement for all patients needing non-cancer surgeries.
Source: The Telegraph, 6 January 2025
See also: ASH - Smoking and Surgery
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Australia: Lawmakers call for national junk food ad ban
The Australian Greens have called for a federal ban on junk food advertisements, particularly to protect children’s health, following a policy introduced by the South Australian government that bans unhealthy food and drink ads on public transport. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young praised the state’s move but argued that a broader ban, including on TV and online ads, is essential to protect children from the constant bombardment of junk food marketing.
The South Australian policy, effective from July 1, includes restrictions on ads for products such as muesli bars, chips, flavoured waters, and processed meats. It is the first such ban in an Australian state, following a similar initiative in the Australian Capital Territory since 2015.
Source: New York Post, 6 January 2025
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Tobacco and Vapes Bill – Committee stage
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently at committee stage in the house of commons. Today (7th Jan) experts will provide evidence to committee members regarding details of the bill. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH will be giving evidence today.
Transcripts from committee will be available here
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