Stern anti-smoking law at Middlemore

Press, 16 June 1988, Page 6

Stern anti-smoking law at Middlemore

PA Auckland Patients at Auckland’s Middlemore Hospital are being kicked out of bed and are told that if they must smoke, do it outside the ward.

Stern anti-smoking rules are in force at the hospital after 82 per cent of staff asked for a ban.

Smoking is outlawed in all workplaces and the main cafeteria. Wards and out-patient areas are no-blow zones.

Tobacco products are no longer available inside the hospital. Smokers are even encouraged to go on courses to help beat the addiction.

The hospital manager, Mr Wally Robins, said the ban applied to patients, staff and visitors.

“If a patient is a con-

firmed smoker, he is moved out of his ward and told to smoke in th 6 corridor. Visitors must be outside the hospital if they have to smoke,” he said.

“Staff can smoke in the Galbraith Block canteen, which has been split into non-smoking and smoking zones,” he said. Success of the scheme is dependent on the hospital staff. They are being encouraged to help enforce the ban. “Even in such a short time staff are noticing a big difference,” he said.

“Some have cut down as much as 50 per cent and all say they feel better. They appreciate the extra money they now have in their pockets.”