Published: Wednesday, 12th March, 2008 1:45pm

Smokers under fire over hospital butts

by Ali Powell

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HEALTH chiefs are looking for tips to help beat the problem of discarded cigarette butts on pavements outside the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

The situation is so bad that Redlands ward councillor Daisy Benson says it is one of the hottest topics on her complaints list from fuming neighbours.

The complaints centre on the number of cigarette ends dropped by staff, visitors and patients - particularly around the public entrances to the hospital and the Berkshire Cancer Centre on Redlands Road.

She said: "Like all public places the hospital has had a smoke-free policy since November 2006. The RBH says its primary focus is in protecting the health of patients, staff and visitors, which I agree should absolutely be the hospital's top priority.

"However there is no mention anywhere of protecting the local environment, such as keeping the streets free of litter.

"I really hope the hospital does install a bin and accept some responsibility."

Cllr Benson has written to the hospital chief executive Ann Sheen asking her what she is doing to address the problem.

She added: "It seems unfair that Reading Borough Council is left to pick up

the entire bill for keeping the local streets clean, which has inevitably got harder since the Government's introduction of a ban on smoking in public places."

Hospital spokesman Joe Wise said: "Since November 2006 we have designated the whole hospital and all of its grounds as no smoking areas.

"This rule applies to everyone - our staff, visitors to the hospital and patients.

"Signs advising of this rule, as well as ones giving details of help available for people who would like to quit smoking, have been placed outside all public entrances to the hospital and there are reminder notices throughout the buildings.

"Outside all our entrances, including the one in London Road, there are waste bins. Clearly we wish to be a good neighbour to all residents in the surrounding area and we will be pleased to look at any additional suggestions from the Streetcare team."