Friday, May 30, 2014
Grey Bruce Health Services
GBHS Goes Smoke Free Tomorrow
As of tomorrow, May 31st, Grey Bruce Health Services will be offering a 100% smoke-free environment to staff, patients, and visitors. GBHS has been promoting the new policy to staff and patients for the past several months to ensure everyone is prepared for the transition to a smoke-free property.
This new policy promotes and supports a healthy environment by prohibiting smoking on all GBHS properties, including lawns, buildings, walkways, parking lots and vehicles. South Bruce Grey Health Centre and the Hanover & District Hospital are also going smoke-free.
“As a health care facility, our job is to care for our patients and restore them to good health,” said Maureen Solecki, President and CEO, Grey Bruce Health Services. “We want to do that in the healthiest environment possible, and that’s why we’re joining the growing number of workplaces and healthcare facilities that are making their properties smoke free.”
Research indicates that one of the primary incentives for people to quit smoking is the reduction of spaces where smoking is permitted. Non-smoking workspaces also help those who have quit to refrain from starting again.
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. Information on community cessation resources are also being distributed throughout the hospitals.
Supports are in place to assist staff with the transition. Smoking cessation workshops have been offered at all six hospitals, and information is being provided on cessation medication and nicotine replacement therapy.
Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario, killing more than 13,000 Ontarians every year.
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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