Wiltshire Council has committed to enforce its new no smoking policy robustly after highlighting that some hospitals with the same policy were failing to do so. Today Wiltshire Council rolled out the smoking ban across its three sites in Bourne Hill in Salisbury, County Hall in Trowbridge and Monkton Park in Chippenham.

Although the Bath RUH and Swindon’s GWH went smoke free on January 1, councillors heard that issues around enforcement meant smoking had not been completely stopped within hospital grounds.

Chair of the Staffing Policy Committee, Cllr Alison Bucknell, said: “It appears it is not easily enforceable and the behaviour continues. Although they have trial blazed the way, it is up to us to be the real trail blazers.”

During a Staffing Policy meeting it was confirmed that eight staff members had spoken to health trainers about quitting smoking ahead of the ban on smoking within the grounds of any Wiltshire Council offices.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health, Jerry Wickham said: “We are proud to be smokefree. We know there will be a transition period for staff and the public but we are determined to promote our hubs as more welcoming environments for visitors.

“We also hope this might encourage people to reduce their smoking or even quit for good if they can. We know it’s a big challenge to give up but we have plenty of support to help people on their way to becoming smokefree.”

Introducing the ban on January, Medical Director Dr Bernie Marden at Bath RUH said: “Clean air is better for everyone – we’re clear that as a health organisation it’s the right thing for us to do. We’re proud to be going smokefree.”

Julie Marshman, Chief Nurse at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Clean air is important for everyone, especially in a hospital environment. Making our Trust a no smoking site is the right thing to do for all of our staff, patients and visitors.

“We understand that quitting smoking is a personal choice, but there are lots of resources available to help those who do want to give it up.”

Get help to quit by visiting: //www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-stop-smoking