OLCHC is A Smoke Free Campus From 1 November 2014
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin OLCHC campus became a smoke-free zone on 1 November 2014. From this date forward, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the hospital grounds.
The introduction of this new policy, which was officially launched today by the hospital, is in keeping with OLCHC’s role in developing a health promotion culture at our hospital and its designation as the largest children’s hospital in Ireland responsible for a range of specialities including all childhood cancers, cystic fibrosis and cardiac surgery.
The policy, which will apply to all staff, patients, visitors and contractors will ensure a healthier, safer and cleaner environment for all and better health outcomes for our patients. A blue line has been painted around the hospital grounds marking the boundaries of where people will no longer be permitted to smoke.
Dr Des Cox, Consultant Paediatrician in Respiratory Medicine at OLCHC said, “Introducing the Smoke Free Campus policy in OLCHC provides an environment that promotes health and supports those who want to stop smoking but most importantly it protects all young children and teenagers attending the hospital.”
As a major provider of paediatric health care in Ireland, CEO of OLCHC Lorcan Birthistle outlined how the hospital is taking its responsibility around health promotion and illness prevention very seriously, “hospitals and health systems, both nationally and internationally, are working to encourage healthier tobacco free lifestyles in order to decrease the incidence of smoking related disease.
Providing a smoke free environment sends a clear message that this hospital is committed to protecting and promoting the health of our patients, families and staff and all who visit the hospital”.
Efforts are being made to inform all parents/guardians and patients of the new policy in advance of their admission to hospital. Ongoing awareness sessions have been held for staff as well as training on the use of nicotine replacement therapy.
Dr Des Cox, concluded, “We are not telling anyone that they must stop smoking, but we are asking people not to smoke on our hospital campus. Stopping smoking, at any age, is the single most important thing a person can do to improve their health and we are very pleased to be able to provide such an environment in OLCHC that is supportive of anyone who wishes to do that.”
For Help to Quit Smoking:
- Contact your local HSE Smoking Cessation Counsellor
- Visit www.QUIT.ie
- Join www.facebook.com/HSEquit
- Call the National Smokers’ QUITLINE 1850 201 203
- Talk to your GP, Pharmacist or Dentist
- Hospital Patients can access smoking cessation support from their nursing/medical team
ENDS
