WDHS gears up for Smoke-Free Workplace
22 July 2008
Western District Health Service is gearing up for September 1, the day the Health Service becomes a Smoke-Free Workplace.
From September 1, smoking will not be permitted 
anywhere on the grounds of all WDHS campuses.
WDHS Chief Executive Officer Jim Fletcher said the Health Service had a role to play in promoting health initiatives within the community, and part of this leadership role was to reflect healthy messages in the workplace.
A program to assist staff who smoke has been implemented, which includes education sessions for staff, conducted in partnership with QUIT Victoria and the WDHS QUIT education program.
Brochures and literature has been distributed and the current practice of offering and providing patches to patients during hospital stays will continue.
Mr Fletcher said the smoke-free environment would be safer and cleaner, and it acknowledged that the majority of patients, staff and visitors did not smoke. “WDHS is keen to promote a progressive, healthy community and corporate image,” he said.
He said WDHS would provide support through QUIT programs and initiatives, which will be offered to both staff and inpatients.
“Our transition to a Smoke-Free Workplace will include appropriate new signage which will be in place for the September 1 deadline, in specific locations at each WDHS site,” Mr Fletcher said.
ABOVE: Quit Educator Cathy Armstrong prepares for the transition to a Smoke-Free Workplace at WDHS on September 1. Cathy is available to advise and support people who are considering their smoking decisions.