Madam, - I refer to an article on the derogation of the smoking ban (Irish Times, September 2nd). All doctors welcome the current campaign to reduce the level of smoking in the community, but there is a view that the ban in prisons and psychiatric hospitals are two outstanding areas of uncertainty and therefore should possibly be exempt.
The idea that the Minister for Health could countenance a measure to enhance the health of the community at large while contemplating derogation for prisoners and patients in long-stay psychiatric facilities beggars belief.
It demonstrates both disregard for the health of patients in long-term care and links prisoners and psychiatric facilities in a way that is both inappropriate and serves only to reinforce the prejudices and stigma which exists towards those who have suffered a psychiatric disorder. - Yours, etc.,
Dr PETER KIRWAN,
Clinical Director,
Psychiatric Department,
Mid-Western
Regional Hospital,
Dooradoyle,
Limerick.