The Bermuda Hospitals Board has imposed a smoking ban on the grounds of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre.

Starting on Monday, August 1, it will be an offence to smoke anywhere on these properties.

“The BHB is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Seniors to institute the ban in compliance with the Tobacco Control Act 2015,” said a spokesperson.

“The Act mandates that no smoking will be allowed inside or outside health facilities. It also stipulates that cigarette, cigarette products and smokeless tobacco cannot be sold in health facilities.

“Patients, visitors and staff will all be bound by the Act.

“BHB will erect no smoking signage and hospital security staff will take appropriate action with violators.”

KEMH Chief Operating Officer Scott Pearman added: “As healthcare professionals we are well aware of the risks associated with smoking. We also recognise that the change will prove a major adjustment for many smokers, but believe all will understand that it is entirely the right action to take.

“At BHB part of our vision is to build healthy communities. This is another step in that direction”

Meanwhile, the Board have advised that Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre (UCC) in St David’s will be open throughout the Cup Match holiday.

On Thursday and Friday the facility will be open between 4.00pm to midnight, on Saturday and Sunday from noon to midnight.

“Please note that if your condition is serious, you should go straight to the Emergency Department of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH),” said a BHB statement. “There are very limited diagnostic imaging (x-ray) and laboratory testing capabilities at the UCC.

“The UCC offers services to assess and treat minor illnesses or injuries that need immediate attention, but are in no way life threatening and are not likely to need surgery or sophisticated diagnostic equipment. This includes sprains, strains, scrapes, cuts, coughs, colds, earaches, bumps and bruises.

“The UCC is open every weekday from 4pm to midnight. Regular Saturday and Sunday hours are from noon to midnight.

BHB also reminds the public that KEMH Emergency Department physicians see and treat patients based on the seriousness of their conditions, not in order of arrival. Emergency Department staff will tell you your level and expected wait time when you arrive.”

Below are the approximate wait times for each level of severity:

Level 1: Immediate

Level 2: 10 to 15 minutes

Level 3: 30 to 45 minutes

Level 4: 1 to 2 hours

Level 5: 2 hours or more

Persons wanting to contact the UCC, can call 298-7700. To contact the KEMH Emergency Department, call 239-2009.

• Renovations to Agape House have been completed and patients are now back in their rooms.

In February, the hospice’s operations temporarily moved inside the hospital so that repairs, including electrical, plumbing and flooring upgrades, could be undertaken.

All patients were relocated to the renovated building last Thursday.