Madam, - The Irish College of Psychiatrists fully supports the Minister for Health and Children in his efforts to reduce the effects of passive smoking on Irish citizens.
As psychiatrists we must also adopt a sensible approach to our many long-stay patients who are unfortunately addicted to nicotine.
Our proposal on this issue to the Minister includes the introduction of a comprehensive cessation policy for psychiatric patients - and the introduction of a smoking area in each hospital, which would greatly minimise the risk to non-smoking patients and staff.
As the smoking ban is due to be introduced in the coming months, hospital-based psychiatrists and others in management will require very specific guidelines on how the smoking ban will operate in our psychiatric hospitals.
Perhaps the Minister and Department of Health officials would give this matter some consideration in the coming weeks - and keep us informed. - Yours, etc.,
Dr KATE GANTER, Chairperson, Irish College of Psychiatrists, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.