Concerns about the number of patients smoking outside Dunedin Hospital have prompted the Otago District Health Board to raise the possibility of footpaths surrounding the hospital being designated smoke-free.
In his report to yesterday's board meeting board chief executive Brian Rousseau said the board had written to the Dunedin City Council about this.
Further processes to deal with the issue were planned and would be reported to the board, the brief report said.
The council is still preparing a response to the board's letter, including looking at how other local authorities address this issue.
The issue of smoking near the hospital entrances was raised by board members more than a year ago following a letter from the Ministry of Health suggesting health boards should make their entire campuses smoke-free.
It was pointed out then that this was unrealistic and would only serve to push smokers out on to the footpath.
It was suggested an outdoor smoking area might be needed for staff and patients who were smokers.
Board member Peter Barron has spoken out since on several occasions about the need for a solution to the problem, expressing concern that smokers were being stigmatised in a way other addicts were not and should not be forced to smoke around the entrances in subzero temperatures.
Last month, he told the community and public health advisory committee the issue was taking too long to address.
Mr Rousseau said then the team looking at the problem, was aware of the board's expectations and was endeavouring to find a solution.
