On January 1st St Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, became smoke-free.

The introduction of this measure is far removed from the days when visitors were permitted to bring cigarettes to their loved ones in hospital. Time was when visiting a relative or friend the not to be forgotten bunch of grapes and twenty cigarettes were purchased.

Since the smoking ban was introduced by Minister Micheal Martin, smoking was permitted in specially erected shelters on the hospital grounds. However, from January 1st 2009 this practice has ceased and smoking is forbidden on campus.

Why ban smoking? Well, the answer to that question is found in the promotional leaflet. St Vincent’s University Hospital is a ‘Health-Promoting’ hospital. The smoking ban is not intended to stop people smoking altogether, but to stop smoking on the hospital grounds. Before the campus ban was introduced, patients could be seen standing in their dressing gowns at hospital doorways puffing away on the dreaded weed.
In providing a smoke-free environment the hospital is of the opinion that this will help with

the recovery of patients. Sounds very logical and sensible, don’t you think. Going smoke-free can help with the prevention and treatment of numerous illnesses. Heart and lung disease, cancer and early recovery from all illness can benefit from the no-smoking ban.

There’s lots of information available from the HSE and from St Vincent’s Hospital itself. Advice includes stop smoking courses and nicotine patches and gum.

If you smoke, and are on the list to be admitted to hospital, do plan for your admission. Mind you, with the recession ongoing you’ll have plenty of time. The waiting list is as long as your arm. Have a chat with your GP and find out what services are available close to where you live.

Nicotine products are available at your local chemist. If you have a medical card you can get them buckshee.
If, unfortunately, you become an in-patient you can ask the doctor or ward nurse about nicotine products as part of your treatment. Nicotine products are free while you are a hospital patient.

And finally, St Vincent’s Hospital would like to thank all patients and visitors for not smoking on campus. They thank you for leaving your cigarettes at home.