SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT

On September 1st, 2006, the Restigouche Health Authority (RHA) joined other health care organizations and hospitals in Canada and world-wide by becoming Smoke-Free.

Questions and Answers Regarding the Restigouche Health Authority’s new Smoke-Free Property Policy

Why introduce a smoke-free property policy?

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of complaints and concerns related to people smoking near building entrances. As a leader in health care, the RHA’s mission is to work towards wellness for all and promote healthy lifestyle choices.  In that vein, the Health Authority is committed to providing a smoke-free environment for all employees, physicians, volunteers, patients, and the public.

According to a recent Statistics Canada study on Canadian Community Health, widespread smoking bans in public places appear to have considerably reduced the risk of exposure to second-hand smoke across the Country.  However, according to that same survey, 9.8% of Restigouche County residents say they are being exposed to second-hand smoke in public places, the highest rate in New Brunswick.

What does the smoke-free property policy mean?

It means that no one will be permitted to smoke in or on all Health Authority owned or operated premises, facilities, and in all vehicles parked on Health Authority property. 

Are there any exceptions to the smoke-free property policy?

• Smoking will be permitted for residents only within designated areas in long-term facilities owned or operated by the RHA, e.g., the Campbellton Regional Hospital Veterans’ Unit, Region Addiction Services, and the Restigouche Hospital Centre. 
• Smoking will be permitted within designated areas for Palliative Care patients, upon approval, in special circumstances. 

Why prohibit smoking in vehicles parked on Health Authority property?

The Health Authority believes that if smoking was permitted in vehicles:

• public and staff would be smoking in a confined space, and as a result the Health Authority would be supporting unhealthy behaviour;
• staff would return to work with an intensified smoke odour on their clothing due to smoking in a confined space;
• our property would not be “smoke free”.

Isn’t it against my human rights to tell me I can’t smoke on Health Authority property?

No. The Human Rights Act deals with discrimination based on race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, place of origin, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation or sex.  There is nothing in the Human Rights Act dealing with the issue of smoking.

What support will be available for patients who smoke?

There are several interventions available to assist our patients who smoke. They may be prescribed Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), or other pharmacotherapy products during their Hospital stay.  All patients who smoke will receive information on Smoking Cessation, and a referral offer to the NB Smokers’ Helpline. 

Each of our facilities is unique in size, so distinct property lines have not been outlined.  People who choose to smoke must go to the nearest public property. 

The Restigouche Health Authority is comprised of the following facilities:

• Campbellton Regional Hospital
• Restigouche Hospital Centre
• St. Joseph Community Health Centre
• Jacquet River Health Centre
• Region Addiction Services
• Extra-mural Program
• E. L. Murray Medical Clinic
• Community Mental Health
• Public Health

A smoke-free property among health care organizations and educational institutions is becoming a national and international trend.  A majority of facilities in Canada will be smoke-free in the near future.