Smoke-Free Environment Policy
Proud to be smoke-free!
We are proud to say we have been Smoke-Free since September 23, 2009!
Over the past 25 years, the efforts of many people and organizations have resulted in a reduction in tobacco use in Canada, including in Newfoundland and Labrador. Despite significant progress smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness, disability and premature death in Canada. Reducing the tremendous toll caused by tobacco use is a shared responsibility.
As a leader in the health sector, Eastern Health is committed to building a healthy workplace for its employees and promoting and supporting health among the people and communities of the eastern region.
Our policy
It is the policy of Eastern Health to provide a tobacco and smoke-free environment. Eastern Health prohibits the use of all tobacco, cannabis (marijuana) and vapour products (electronic cigarettes also known as e-cigarettes) on properties owned and leased by Eastern Health, including the buildings, grounds and parking lots (including all vehicles parked therein). All must comply with the Smoke-Free Environment Policy and have a shared responsibility for supporting the policy.
Scope
Our policy applies to all employees, physicians, clients, patients, residents, visitors, students, volunteers, outside user groups and all other agents of Eastern Health.
The Smoke-Free Environment Policy applies to the following categories of Eastern Health owned and operated facilities/sites, including leased facilities/sites where Eastern Health is the only tenant:
- Hospitals
- Hostel
- Mental health and addictions facilities
- Community health centres/clinics/offices
- Long-term care facilities
- Office buildings
- Parking lots/garages
- Vehicles parked on Eastern Health property
All Eastern Health outbuildings- Accommodations (employees and physicians) owned by Eastern Health
- Vehicles owned, operated or leased by Eastern Health
- Taxis hired under tender by Eastern Health
- Client homes, where home based services are being provided must be smoke-free for at least one hour before the visit, and during the visit from an Eastern Health employee.
If you wish to quit smoking, your health care provider can refer you to the Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline.
Thinking of quitting smoking? Talk to your health care provider or visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline or call 1-800-363-5864.
Learn more about quitting smoking, smoke-free youth and smoke-free pregnancy.
Support for patients, clients and residents
We provide support to patients to minimize nicotine withdrawal symptoms while in hospital.
If you smoke prior to admission to hospital, you should discuss appropriate smoking cessation options with your doctor. This will assist you in complying with our policy and ensure your comfort during your stay.
Support for staff and physicians
We have a program in place to help our staff and physicians quit smoking. For more information, please see our Employee and Family Assistance Program page.