SMOKERS will be forced to butt out around all Queensland hospitals as new legislation takes effect.
From 1 January, smoking has been banned on the grounds of Warwick and Stanthorpe hospitals, the Inglewood health service, as well as The Oaks Aged Care Facility.
Legislation was passed in Queensland Parliament in November requiring all private and public hospitals and health services across the state to go smoke-free in the New Year.
The legislation also prohibits smoking within a five-metre boundary of the facilities and includes vaporises commonly known as e-cigarettes.
“There will be no designated smoking areas from 1 January at the Warwick Hospital,” director of nursing Jane Waite said.
“Patients admitted to hospital or residents of The Oaks will be offered the use of free nicotine replacement therapies such as patches and gum.”
To further support patients, smoking cessation training will be made available to staff.
“The training is provided internally and will provide staff with the most up-to-date information about smoking cessation and the current evidence-based ‘quit’ methods,” Ms Waite said.
Under the legislation, the smoking ban will be enforceable by authorised staff members who will be able to issue on-the-spot fines.
“However, our focus will be on informing people about the new legislation and encouraging them to improve their health by quitting smoking,” Ms Waite said.
Meanwhile, Cancer Council has welcomed the Queensland Government’s independent review of state property laws to canvas options for regulating smoking in multi-unit residential lots.
The review follows stakeholder meetings identifying smoking and smoke drift between lots as a major concern of residents in apartments and units.
People interested in quitting should speak to their GP or phone the Quit Line on 13 QUIT (13 78 48).
