NHS Tayside mental health sites and grounds have now become smoke-free.

The smoke-free status in the grounds of every hospital, health centre and NHS building across the country is part of a national drive to create a tobacco-free generation within Scotland by 2034.

The health board is supporting this ambition by asking people who wish to smoke, only do so outwith NHS Tayside premises or grounds.

Consultant in public health pharmacy Andrew Radley said: "We recognise that stopping smoking can be very difficult and want to do all we can to help our patients manage this.

"Therefore, all patients who smoke will be offered nicotine replacement therapy and/or other support to help them to manage this.

"We know that these measures significantly increase the chances of people quitting smoking, or managing to abstain whilst in hospital."

He added: "On discharge from hospital, patients will be given information about support services to help them remain smoke-free.

"People who use our services in the community setting will also be given support and advice to help them quit."

Mr Radley encouraged everyone to support the no smoking policy and work in partnership with NHS Tayside to improve the health of the public.

"We are committed to helping the communities that use our services to lead longer, healthier lives," he said.

"We understand that it can be hard to go without a cigarette, particularly at stressful times, however, the NHS exists to make everyone's health as good as possible."