NHS Tayside has said e-cigarette users can vape on hospital grounds.
Although smoking remains forbidden on NHS Tayside land, the health board has updated its smoking policy to allow the use of e-cigarettes, because new evidence has shown they are less harmful than smoking tobacco.
The move is also consistent with current guidance from the Scottish Directors of Public Health which highlights that e-cigarettes can play a significant role in harm reduction by reducing the number of people smoking tobacco.
The change in the policy means that e-cigarettes or electronic
vaping devices can be used outdoors on NHS Tayside grounds but remain prohibited in buildings and enclosed spaces.
Anyone using an e-cigarette in the grounds is asked to avoid entrances, doorways and seating areas to ensure that other people are not exposed to nicotine vapour.
NHS Tayside will not allow the charging of e-cigarettes or vaping devices in its buildings.
Consultant in public health pharmacy Andrew Radley said: “We are pleased to be able to update our smoking policy to take account of the latest scientific evidence.
“NHS Tayside is a health-promoting organisation and encourages all of our patients, visitors and staff to observe our smoking policy and keep all of our premises and grounds smoke-free.”
