|
Jewish General Hospital expands its clean air zone
To create a healthier environment for patients, visitors and staff, the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) has expanded its clean air zone. Enforcement will be stricter and will extend over broader area beyond the 9 metres outlined in the Loi sur le Tabac, with smoking strictly prohibited anywhere inside any hospital building or on the grounds, except for a specific outdoor area where patients are allowed to smoke.
The JGH is committed to promoting this approach and intends to work towards making the institution totally smoke-free. In addition to complying with Quebec tobacco laws (Loi sur le tabac), being a smoke-free institution is aligned with the hospital’s mandate of promoting healthy lifestyles.
“We are not looking to stigmatize smokers, but we want to make people aware that the best thing they can do for themselves and their loved ones is to stop smoking,” explains Joseph Erban, Smoking Cessation Counselor in the Cancer Prevention Centre at the JGH. “Smoking on hospital grounds can affect patients negatively: from aggravating a chronic respiratory disease—thereby triggering an asthmatic attack—to being an all-round nuisance for patients and visitors.”
"Since 1967, when the sale of cigarettes was banned in our hospital, the JGH has made every effort to reduce and then to eliminate smoking on hospital property," says Dr. Hartley Stern, JGH Executive Director. "The new policy of strict enforcement confirms our anti-smoking stance in the hope that more smokers will be motivated to kick the habit and take preventive measures to improve their health. The JGH is actively snuffing out tobacco addiction through its Smoking Cessation Program, which puts hundreds of people on the road to a healthier lifestyle each year. In the long run, this will also contribute to reducing the need for treatment of cancer and other diseases, thereby lightening the financial pressures on the public healthcare system."
Through the Smoking Cessation program, Mr. Erban provides several resources and support to those seeking to quit. Following a personalized program, such as the one offered at the JGH, will help increase your chances of success in quitting, explains Erban, with over 85% of participants leaving the program smoke-free.
To learn more about the Free Smoking Cessation Program at the JGH, please call 514-340-8222 ext. 3870.
-30-
Contact:
Glenn J. Nashen, Director
Astrid Morin, Media Relations
Public Affairs and Communications
Jewish General Hospital
Tel.: 514-340-8222 ext. 4612
Email: amorin@jgh.mcgill.ca
Website: jgh.ca
|