Press Release, 30th June 2015

Views called for on the Health Bill

People from across Scotland are have been asked for their views on legislation which will introduce restrictions on the sale of e-cigarettes and create no smoking areas in hospital grounds.

The Health and Sport Committee which is convened by Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is currently scrutinising the Health (Tobacco, Nicotine etc, and Care) Scotland Bill.

The Bill if passed will create a legal requirement for health and social care organisations to inform people when they have been harmed as a result of the care or treatment they have received.

The proposals would also establish a new criminal offence of ill-treatment or wilful neglect of adults which would apply to individual health and social care workers, managers and supervisors.

Duncan McNeil MSP said:

“The proposals in this Bill are wide ranging and if passed will impact on a number of aspects of people’s lives.

“The use of e-cigarettes has always been controversial and how and if they should be regulated is an issue this Committee has already considered.

“It’s important that the right balance is struck between regulating the use of e-cigarettes and supporting those using them as an alternative to more harmful tobacco products.

“Our Committee looks forward to hearing a variety of opinions on these issues.”