At Northern Health, we want to lead better health care by example. That’s why Northern Health put in place a smoke free grounds policy.
This policy will prohibit tobacco use in or on all Northern Health owned or operated facilities and grounds. This policy is important in cutting tobacco use, providing a healthy working environment for health professionals and protecting our patients and their families from exposure to second-hand smoke.
This policy is part of our tobacco reduction strategy based on:
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Helping people to avoid using tobacco altogether;
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Protecting people from exposure to second-hand smoke;
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Enforcing federal and provincial tobacco control legislation; and
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Support and programs for tobacco users who want to quit.
Reducing tobacco use is also a big part of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy.
This policy was put into place after studying similar policies from health organizations across Canada. All BC Health Authorities have these policies in place, effective 2008.
We did make some exceptions and alternate timelines for:
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Mental Health and Addictions Services
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Home and community Care ( including palliative care)
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Cultural ceremonial use of tobacco within program areas or Northern Health Facilities
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Agreements with agencies or facilities funded primarily by Northern Health
To learn more about Northern Health's smoke free grounds policy:
For more information about Northern Health's Tobacco Reduction Strategy, please contact the Tobacco Reduction Coordinator in your area.
If you have questions or feedback about Northern Health's smoke free grounds policy, please email smoke.free@northernhealth.ca
Northern Health has supports and services to help you quit smoking. If you want to quit and would like some help, click here.
For more information about how to quit smoking, please see the links below:
QuitNow
Health Canada - Go Smokefree
Tobaccofacts