Unfortunately complaints about people smoking cigarettes on hospital grounds are frequent and, like most hospitals nationally and elsewhere around the world, it is something we struggle to address.
People smoking on hospital grounds will be asked to move on. New smokefree signage has been erected at every entrance and now a large sign has also been placed on the wall immediately beside the main doors into the hospital, and another at the emergency department entrance. The signage provides information about how access support to quit smoking.
Smoking is the single largest cause of preventable death worldwide. It kills an estimated 5000 people in New Zealand every year and the incidence of asthma in Wairarapa is among the highest in the country. Almost a fifth of Wairarapa children have asthma. It is a very significant health problem locally, and is one of the top three presentations in the emergency department. Important ways to help reduce the burden of asthma and respiratory illness, particularly in young children, include having a smokefree environment.
Being smokefree is in everybody’s best interests. If you want help to be smokefree, call a Whaiora Quit Coach on 0800 494 426 or Quitline 0800 778 778.
