Smoking is banned at public and private hospitals, schools, aged care homes, public health facilities and within five metres of their boundaries? This includes e-cigarettes and vaping, and in cars on our grounds.
Maintaining a completely smoke-free hospital campus and surrounds can be challenging particularly at property boundaries, gardens, outdoor seating or sheltered areas, but we have a responsibility to provide a smoke-free environment for the safety and comfort of patients, visitors and staff.
Tobacco smoking is one of the largest health concerns for our local community and remains the leading cause of preventable death and illness in Queensland. It also contributes to contamination of local waterways and land with discarded butts and rubbish.
We can all assist with ensuring a smoke-free environment by providing consistent information and messaging about the smoking ban.
So, what should you do if you see someone smoking on hospital grounds?
At Caboolture Hospital, phone Security on 5433 8478 (ext 8478) to ask for assistance.
Providing patients, staff and visitors with adequate support and information to help them quit smoking is also an important strategy to encourage long-term behaviour change.
If you feel comfortable and the person appears approachable, ask them to stop smoking.
You could also provide further details, such as:
- Explaining that Queensland Government legislation prohibits smoking on hospital grounds and five metres beyond the boundary.
- Providing reasoning for having a smoke-free facility – people are recovering here, there are babies and young children.
- Sharing the importance of protecting staff, patients and visitors from second-hand smoke.
- Using a nicotine patch or gum will make people more comfortable and manage nicotine withdrawal.
Inpatients who present as smokers can receive Nicotine Replacement Therapy during their hospital stay and take steps to help them stop smoking altogether.
The Smoke-free Healthcare QHEPS page has more details.
Metro North Health staff can also access support to quit smoking through the Quit smoking…for life! program.
For more information, visit http://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/smoke-free/html/quitsmoking.htm