DOCTOR Albert McNeill, consultant cardiologist and Chair of Altnagelvin's Smoke-Free Hospital Committee, has reminded the public that as of New Year's Day, Altnagelvin is completely smoke-free.

The hospital, along with other healthcare facilities in the Western area, is taking the lead by introducing a ban on smoking in and around the hospital, almost four months before all employers will be legally obliged to do so by the new smoking laws.

Dr McNeill said, "I want to take the opportunity to remind the public that from Monday, New Year's Day, staff, patients and the public will not be able to smoke in the hospital, including at hospital entrances.

"Our intention is solely to protect our staff and patients from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and we are determined to do just that", he added.

"While from 30th April 2007, it will be against the law to smoke in public buildings, we hope that the public will co-operate with us now to ensure that this policy is effective and can start to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of our staff.

"I would add that help to quit smoking is available both in the hospital and via the Northern Ireland Smokers' Helpline," continued Dr. McNeill. "I would urge smokers to have 'stop smoking' at the top of their New Year's resolution lists and to use the excellent help that is available to do that."