In order to create a healthier, cleaner and safer environment for patients, visitors and staff, Peninsula Health will become ‘Totally Smoke Free’ from September 1.
This means that smoking shelters will be removed and smoking will not be permitted on any Peninsula Health site or in any building or car belonging to the Health Service.
This includes Frankston and Rosebud hospitals and all rehabilitation, aged care and community health sites.
The decision follows a successful trial at the Hastings Community Health site.
“Our Smoke Free program responds to community needs and expectations,” Executive Director Community and Continuing Care Jan Child said.
“Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in Australia.
“Peninsula Health has worked closely with the Frankston Mornington Peninsula Primary Care Partnership, local Councils, other organisations and community groups to develop and implement a broader smoking prevention and cessation strategy.
“This change may be difficult for some staff, as well as for patients, clients and visitors who smoke. Helping smokers who want to quit is an important part of the implementation strategy.”
With the support of the Peninsula GP Network, Community Health is delivering smoking cessation programs for the broader community in conjunction with Quit Victoria. Support to manage or quit smoking is available at anytime through Quitline on 13 7848.
Nicotine Replacement Therapies are available to staff and volunteers who want to quit smoking. Inpatients can also be given Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
There will be limited and carefully monitored exemptions for some patients including mental health patients and residential aged care residents in their homes from such programs.
“We will carefully and sensitively manage the challenges we face in implementing this new policy,” Ms Child said.
“Our success will in large part rely on the good will of patients, visitors and staff as we move forward in our commitment to building a healthy community.”
