Prairie North Health Region has announced it has gone smoke-free as of Weedless Wednesday.
Starting Jan. 18, smoking and tobacco use are no longer permitted in PNHR buildings, grounds and parking lots, according to a media release issued that day.
The restriction applies to everyone; however it should be noted that smoking will still be accommodated in some limited ceremonial circumstances and for Saskatchewan Hospital residents in certain designated areas.
Officials with the region said in a news release that the move will mean that patients, visitors, employees and physicians will be better protected from second-hand smoke at Prairie North Health Region (PNHR) facilities.
"Today is Weedless Wednesday, a great day to quit using tobacco," said Glennys Uzelman, vice-president of Primary Health Services for Prairie North Health Region, in a statement.
"It's also a great day for Prairie North to take one further step in protecting our patients, residents, visitors, employees, and physicians from second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to kick their tobacco addiction."
Their new Tobacco and Smoke-Free Policy has three key purposes, according to Prairie North:
Having an environment that protects clients, staff, and the public from second-hand tobacco smoke and that reinforces a social norm of being tobacco-free;
Providing help and support for clients and Prairie North Health Region staff and physicians who wish to stop using tobacco products; and
Respecting and supporting the traditional use of sacred tobacco and medicines within First Nations healing ceremonies that take place in Prairie North facilities.
Uzelman said in the release that everyone has a role to play in creating healthier communities. "If you are a smoker or user of other tobacco products, you can best support the policy by not smoking as you come on to Prairie North Health Region property, and by moving off of PNHR property when you are going to use tobacco products."
The health region says non-smokers can help support the policy by respecting that adhering to the policy may be difficult for those addicted to tobacco, and by providing encouragement to smokers who choose to quit. In addition, Prairie North employees and physicians are being asked to help ensure patients and residents are aware of supports available to individuals to help them quit smoking.
Patients who smoke and are admitted to hospitals and special care homes in the region will be provided information and access to smoking cessation products such as a nicotine patch.
There are some limited exceptions to the new policy, however. Residents of special care homes or Saskatchewan Hospital will be able to smoke or use tobacco in designated outdoor locations only. Clients of PNHR who have been prescribed medicinal marijuana can use the drug as appropriate, while ceremonial use of tobacco will continue to be accommodated in PNHR facilities.
More information on the policy can be found at www.pnrha.ca or by emailing [email protected].
