Trust calls for local people to get involved in smoke free plans
The Southern Trust is calling on local people to get involved in making all health and social care sites completely smoke free by No Smoking Day on 9th March 2016.
A Smoke Free policy has been in place in the Trust since 2008 which prohibits smoking in all of its buildings except those registered under The Residential Care Homes Order (NI) – which have a designated smoking room.
This latest move means that smoking will no longer be permitted anywhere on Southern Trust grounds, buildings, entrances, car parks or in cars by anyone including patients, clients, visitors, staff, and contracted workers.
With over 2,300 deaths each year due to smoking related illnesses like cancer and heart disease smoking is the most prominent preventable threat to public health.
Commenting on the plans, Trust Chief Executive (Interim) Paula Clarke said, “Our staff have shown great commitment in helping people to stop smoking and in promoting a smoke free environment over the years and are now working hard to progress our plans to take this to the next level.
“We recognise that this is a significant challenge but from our survey last year, we know that we have the support of staff, patients, clients and the general public behind us in protecting the health and wellbeing of our local population.
Paula added, “We are working closely with unions, service users and interested parties on how we will implement our new policy and would welcome anyone who would like to be involved to get in touch with us.”
For further information and free support to stop smoking contact the Southern Trust’s Stop Smoking Service Tel: 028 3741 5333 or Email: stop.smoking@southerntrust.hscni.net .You can also visit www.want2stop.info or www.southerntrust.hscni.net/healthyliving.
If you would like to get involved in plans to introduce Smoke Free sites contact Tel: 028 3741 2881 or Email: lynne.smart@southerntrust.hscni.net
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