Smoking to be banned from everywhere on HSE campuses

All hospitals and HSE health care facilities in Cavan and Monaghan are to become entirely smoking free zone from next month.

The HSE are branding their facilities ‘Tobacco Free Campuses’ from November 1, including Cavan General Hospital and Monaghan Hospital, with the result that smoking will not be permitted anywhere on these campuses from this date, including doorways, entrances, walkways, roads and carparks.

The policy, which will apply to all staff, patients, visitors and external contractors aims ensure a healthier, safer and cleaner environment for all and better health outcomes for patients and staff.

“Stopping smoking is the single most important thing a person can do to improve their health, at any age,' said Dr. James Hayes, Clinical Director, Cavan Monaghan Hospital. 'It helps to prevent many diseases, including cancers and heart disease, smoking on average can shorten a person’s life by seven years. 'As a hospital group we continue to have a need to focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle and therefore it is sensible that we now extend our no smoking policy in the hospitals to include the hospital campuses.”

Leo Kinsella, area manager, HSE Cavan Monaghan said that as a major provider of health care their mission is to create a healthy environment for their patients, visitors and employees.

'The purpose of this initiative is to eliminate tobacco use across all health care facilities in our region which will provide a healthy and safe environment for all whilst promoting positive health behaviour.”

A free smoking cessation service is available at Cavan General Hospital and Monaghan Hospital which can provide support to patients, staff and visitors.