SMOKING IS NOW banned everywhere in Dublin’s three public maternity hospitals.

The Coombe, the Rotunda and the National Maternity Hospital at Holles Street are now completely tobacco-free with building entrances, doorways and car parks all included in places where the habit is no longer allowed.

All smoking shelters will be dismantled or converted with cigarette bins also being removed from the hospitals in accordance with HSE policy.

Master of the Coombe, Dr Sharon Sheehan, said the policy has been introduced to to ensure, “a healthier environment for staff, women and babies.”

In-patients who wish to smoke will be discouraged from doing so and those who wish to quit will be given advice on methods for quitting, including guidance on anti-smoking aids that are available.

Patients who insist on smoking will have to leave the hospital campus to do so and it will not be possible to have them accompanied by a member of staff according to a spokesperson from Holles Street.

Staff members are also going to be given advice on stopping smoking and all three masters are encouraging their staff to avail of these services.

“We realise that this change may be difficult for people who smoke, and much work has been done to inform and support all those using our campus, and to allow them time to prepare for this change.” Dr Sam Coulter-Smith, Master at the Rotunda concluded.

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