No ifs, no butts, no smoking... Mullingar hospital goes smoke free
Leave your ciggies and lighters behind you if you plan on entering the grounds of the Midland Regional Hospital from tomorrow: the entire campus is gong smoke-free.
You can't even smoke in your car while on the grounds of the hospital, as nowhere on the hospital grounds will cigarettes be allowed - "ie entrances, doorways, walkways, internal roads, bus shelters, car parks, cars, bicycle shelters etc", the HSE has announced.
Hospital manager, Trevor O'Callaghan said this new policy is in keeping with the hospital's status as a Health Promoting Hospital.
"The policy, which will apply to all staff, patients, visitors, contractors and anyone who enters the hospital buildings / grounds, will ensure a healthier, safer and cleaner environment for all and better health outcomes for patients," he stated.
Mr Shu Hoashi, Clinical Director said, “Introducing the Smoke Free Campus policy at Mullingar Hospital provides an environment that promotes health and supports those who want to stop smoking.
"The facts are undisputable when it comes to the health gains; giving up smoking greatly improves the chances of patients recovery, which is the aim of being in hospital.
"Research shows that non smokers or those who quit smoking before and after surgery have much better wound healing and recover faster ”
Similar initiatives have been introduced in other large hospital campuses (St Vincent’s and Connolly Hospital’s in Dublin) with, says the HSE, positive results.
Going on to state that smoking is the leading lpreventable cause of disease and death in the world, the HSE has said it is important that hospitals provide an environment committed to wellness and the prevention of illness; something to which Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar is fully committed.
Efforts are being made to inform all patients of the new policy in advance of their admission to hospital and, when admitted, patients who smoke will be offered free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) during their hospital stay. Patients can also be referred to the hospital’s free Smoking Cessation Service. GPs have also been informed. Ongoing awareness sessions have been held for staff as well as training on the use of nicotine replacement therapy.