Hywel Dda health board is reminding people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire that in less than two weeks hospital grounds will become smoke-free zones.

New laws are being introduced across Wales on Monday, March 1 and build on the smoking ban introduced in 2007.

It will see all parts of Glangwili hospital in Carmarthen, Prince Philip in Llanelli, Bronglais in Aberystwyth and Haverfordwest’s Withybush hospital becoming smoke-free.

The law will also apply to all other Health Board run facilities.

The move is part of a national drive to create a healthier Wales and healthier future by protecting everyone from harmful, second-hand smoke, supporting those trying to quit, as well as reducing the normalisation of smoking, which is why the smoke-free law includes schools, public playgrounds, and outdoor areas of children’s daycare and childminding settings.

Anyone found breaking the law by smoking on these grounds could face a £100 fine.

Ros Jervis, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “This is great news for people in the three counties and Wales as a whole. Preventing people smoking on our hospital grounds will promote healthier care environments, protect hospital users from harmful second-hand smoke and support those using NHS services to quit.

“We know the harms smoking can do to health, so I look forward to having the backing of our staff, patients and visitors, to ensure we all play our part in building a healthier Wales for the future.

"Many smokers have already been motivated to give up smoking due to the Covid-19 pandemic and it is hoped this new legislation will encourage even more to do so. We have learnt that smoking can increase the risk of contracting Covid-19 and also the severity of the disease.

"Quitting with support provides the best chance of stopping smoking for good, which is why we are making smoking support services available to those who would like help."

The Hywel Dda Healthy Lifestyle and Wellbeing Team (Smoking) can provide expert and confidential NHS behavioural support and access to medication to help stop smoking or access to stop smoking medication. Support is currently provided via telephone. The service can be contacted via 0300 303 9652, which is a freephone number.