Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Grey Bruce Health Services
Grey Bruce Health Services Properties Set to Go 100% Smoke Free
Grey Bruce Health Services will soon be offering its staff, patients, visitors, and partners a 100% smoke-free environment. Effective May 31, 2014, smoking will no longer be permitted on any of the GBHS hospital properties, including in parking lots, on walkways and lawns.
The move to smoke-free grounds is a joint initiative among all of the hospital corporations in Grey and Bruce. South Bruce Grey Health Centre will implement their policy on May 31, and Hanover & District Hospital is also going smoke free this summer.
“Our goal is to provide a healthy environment for patients, visitors and health care workers,” said Maureen Solecki, President and CEO of GBHS. “We are pleased to join the other Grey and Bruce County hospitals in this smoke-free initiative so that patients know what to expect no matter which hospital they are in.”
Staff will work with inpatients to minimize any nicotine withdrawal symptoms they may experience while in hospital by providing nicotine replacement therapy or other cessation medications.
Supports are also in place for staff to assist them with the transition. These supports include cessation workshops at all six hospitals, and information on cessation medication and nicotine replacement therapy.
Signage has been posted at each of the GBHS hospitals in Lion’s Head, Markdale, Meaford, Owen Sound, Southampton and Wiarton. Information on community cessation resources are also being distributed throughout the hospitals.
Media Contact:
Mary Margaret Crapper
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Grey Bruce Health Services
519-376-2121 ext 2806
mcrapper@gbhs.on.ca
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