2:20pm Friday 12th March 2010
By Siobhan Ryan, Health Reporter
Health bosses have admitted that a total ban on smoking in hospitals is unenforceable, insensitive and unrealistic.
Managers at a number of Sussex hospitals are considering bringing back designated smoking areas because patients and visitors are ignoring the regulations by lighting up.
There have also been complaints from residents about smokers standing on pavements just outside hospital boundaries.
The widespread ban in all hospital buildings and grounds across the county was introduced more than three years ago.
However hospital trusts in the county are now considering a partial lift of the ban to allow smoking in some parts of their grounds, well away from entrances and clinical areas.
Specially created shelters for smokers could also make a return.
Smoking will still not be allowed in any hospital buildings, in line with the national ban on smoking in public places.
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