Smoking to be forbidden within hospital grounds
NEW RULES FROM FEBRUARY 22
THE SIGHT of men and women in their pyjamas smoking at the front of Our Lady of Lourdes hospital may well be a thing of the past if a new policy within the Louth Meath Hospital Group is adhered to.
From February 22, which also happens to be Ash Wednesday and National No Smoking Day, hospitals within the group will become tobacco free campuses.
This means smoking will not be permitted anywhere on the hospital grounds or campus from this date.
The policy, which will apply to all staff, patients, visitors contractors and anyone who enters the hospital buildings/grounds, will ensure a healthier, safer and cleaner environment for all and better health outcomes for patients and staff.
'As a major provider of health care in the community, our mission is to create a healthy environment for our patients, visitors and employees,' Margaret Swords, Group General Manager, Louth Meath Hospital Group said.
' The purpose of this initiative is to eliminate tobacco use on our hospital campuses, to provide a healthy and safe environment for all and to promote positive health behaviour. We have a free smoking cessation service at each hospital which is available to all patients, staff and visitors.'
To support the implementation of this policy a series of educational initiatives are being rolled out including consultation sessions and education forums for staff, information leaflets, displays within the hospital to inform all staff and visitors to the hospital of this policy and to explain the help and support that is available.
'It is well known that cigarette smoking is the single biggest preventable cause of ill- health and premature death,' said Dr Paul Keelan, Consultant Cardiologist.
'As a hospital group that focuses on making people well, it is right for us to do all that we can to promote health by extending our tobacco free environment to include the campus. This is a logical step as a way to improve the health and well-being of patients, staff and visitors to the hospital.'
All efforts are being made to inform patients of this new policy in advance of their admission to hospital. Patients who smoke will be referred to the hospital's free Smoking Cessation Service and will be offered free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) during their hospital stay. GPS have also been informed of the introduction of this policy.
HSE staff will hold an Information event in Scotch Hall Shopping Centre on Friday, February 10, from 2.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to raise awareness about the introduction of this new policy and to provide advice and information on the supports available to help quit smoking.
The Louth County Hospital in Dundalk and Our Lady's Hospital in Navan will also become tobacco free campuses.
- ALISON COMYN
