HEALTH board bosses are urging smokers not to light up outside Inverclyde Royal.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is raising awareness of second hand smoking and the impact it can have at the hospital.

Recent legislation imposed by the Scottish Government makes it illegal to smoke within 15 metres of an NHS hospital building.

Second hand smoke can have significant health implications for those who are exposed to this including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

To support the implementation of the legislation, NHS GGC has provided a range of materials including signage and advertising initiatives to foster a culture of understanding and compliance from staff and members of the public.

Joris Van Der Horst, Consultant Respiratory Physician at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Second hand smoke can be invisible and contains a lethal cocktail of over 4,000 irritants, toxins and cancer causing substances.

“When you smoke, it is not just your own health that is being put at risk, but also the health of those around you.

“We know hospitals are used by people who are especially vulnerable to the harms of second hand smoke and the Scottish Government has introduced new legislation that creates a 15 metre non-smoking zone around our NHS hospital buildings that will hopefully reduce exposure to second hand smoke for all of our patients, staff and visitors, particularly for those who are at high risk.

“If you have to smoke, please move away from our entrances and exits and help us protect everyone coming into our hospitals.

“If you are currently a smoker, our NHS Quit Your Way services that can help you quit.”

To find out more about the stop smoking services and to access the best support to quit in your area call the Quit Your Way helpline on 0800 84 84 84.