THE Bon Secours Hospital Tralee will become the first hospital within the group to introduce a smoke free campus as of Wednesday, March 8.

In an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle for patients and staff, smoking will be prohibited on the hospital grounds.

The removal of the smoking shelter has been arranged and it will no longer be acceptable to smoke at the entrances to the hospital, footpaths or the carpark.

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“Approximately 5,500 Irish adults die each year from a tobacco related disease,” according to  Dr Alan Mulgrew, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Bon Secours Tralee. “Adopting a smoke free policy is our commitment as a health organisation to promote a safer and healthier environment for patients and staff’.”

The smoking cessation committee understands that smoking is a difficult habit to break; therefore, supports have been put in place to help patients and staff who are smokers to adjust to the ban.

Patients and staff will have access to nicotine replacement treatment and have the option of requesting a brief intervention meeting with Mary Nagle Respiratory Nurse Specialist.

The Bon Secours Tralee will be holding a fundraiser in aid of the Irish Lung foundation on March 8 to celebrate the launch of the smoking cessation.