The Bon Secours Health System Tralee has become the first hospital within the Bon Secours Health System group to introduce a smoke free campus as of the 8th of March 2017.
In an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle for patients and staff, smoking is now prohibited on hospital grounds. The removal of the smoking shelter has been arranged and it is no longer acceptable to smoke at the entrances to the hospital, footpaths or the carpark.
‘Approximately 5500 Irish adults die each year from a tobacco related disease’ said Dr Alan Mulgrew, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Bon Secours Health System Tralee. ‘Adopting a smoke free policy is our commitment as a health organisation to promote a safer and healthier environment for patients and staff’
The smoking cessation committee understands that smoking is a difficult habit to break; therefore, supports have been put in place to help patients and staff who are smokers to adjust to the ban. Patients and staff now have access to Nicotine Replacement Treatment and have the option of requesting a brief intervention meeting with Mary Nagle Respiratory Nurse Specialist.
To mark the start of the new no smoking policy, Bon Secours Health System Tralee held a fundraiser in aid of the Irish Lung Foundation on the 8th March 2017. Staff of the hospital raised €325 for the charity. If you have any further queries about the smoke free campus, please contact Breda Doyle Best Practice Manager on (066) 7149800.
