Patient Hits Out At 'Disrespectful' People Smoking Outside Hospital

A patient says he was disgusted when he saw people smoking outside the cancer ward of a hospital, despite signs asking visitors not to.

The man from Derby, who did not wish to be named, said he had been visiting the ward for the past month and noticed people fragrantly ignoring the signs outside the entrance to the oncology ward at Royal Derby Hospital.

Speaking to The Derby Telegraph, he said he was receiving treatment on the ward and was concerned about the effects of breathing in people's smoke.

The 46-year-old said: "I'm coming here for my chemotherapy. I shouldn't have to breathe in your smoke.

"I find it incredible people can ignore those signs. There are a constant stream of people smoking just outside the doors. It's disrespectful and unfair.

Flickr/Elliott Brown

"If they are well enough to stand outside the ward they should be well enough to walk outside of hospital grounds to smoke. It's just a lack of empathy.

"I sympathise with the hospital because it must be a hell of a thing to police, but they're clearly not doing enough."

The man says he used to be a smoker himself, but he couldn't understand why anyone would think of lighting up outside a hospital ward. But he also says he witnessed other patients smoking.

He said: "It's bad enough for those who are not affected by cancer visiting the hospital, but it must be horrendous for those being treated to have to walk through the haze of tobacco and vape smoke while going for treatment.

"I used to smoke myself, but I wouldn't do that. Just behind the wall, there is a Macmillan garden where people can go and sit. It's not right, especially at the cancer ward entrance.

PA

"Last week my mum was waiting to be picked up outside and she couldn't stop coughing because of all the smoke."

A spokesperson for University Hospitals of Derby and Burton told the Derby Telegraph they do not allow smoking on their grounds at any time.

The spokesperson at the hospital said: "We are committed to creating a healthier place for our patients, visitors and staff and our 'Think Again' campaign urges our patients and visitors to keep our hospital grounds smoke free.

"Smoking is not permitted within our Trust at any time and we would ask anyone that smokes to please be considerate of those visiting our hospitals for treatment by not doing so within our hospital grounds."

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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