By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Patients and residents who visit the Wrexham Maelor Hospital may have noticed the issue with smoking, particularly around the main entrance. I myself have seen the piles of discarded cigarette stubs and it is an issue that constituents have raised with me.

Smoking at hospital grounds has been illegal since March 2021, when the Welsh Government introduced legislation. Anyone found smoking at any hospital in Wales could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100. The use of vapes and e-cigarettes is also prohibited.

In July 2024, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) appointed Smoke-Free Environment Officers at hospitals in North Wales, including the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

The dedicated members of staff are tasked with helping reduce smoking on hospital grounds by talking to people who smoke and reminding them about the Health Board’s smoke-free rules.

Betsi Cadwaladr clearly stated its officers do not have the power to issue fines but they will work with the Local Authority teams, who do have the ability to issue financial penalties.

I contacted Wrexham County Borough Council for further details and was informed the Health Board does have responsibility under the legislation to prevent smoking within its grounds.

Due to the confusing and contradictory information, I raised the issue directly with the First Minister during First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd, asking her to clarify who is responsible for the enforcement of this much-needed public health legislation.

The First Minister stated, “it is a question, of course, for the Health Boards to make sure that they are enforcing the action outside of their hospitals”.

As a result, I have written to BCUHB once again to ask when it will start issuing fixed penalty notices. I, of course, recognise the fines are a last resort, so I have also questioned whether the Health Board has considered increasing the signage explaining the law and enforcement action, explored deterrents for smokers and also whether it has offered support and guidance for those who might consider quitting.

I will keep constituents informed of developments.

If you’re a constituent and there is an issue I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743. You can also keep up to date by following me on ‘X’ (Twitter) and Facebook, just search @lesley4wrexham.