World premiere of VCH smoke free video
Roll out the red carpet, grab some popcorn and take a few minutes to watch the world premiere of Vancouver Coastal Health’s Smoke Free Premises Policy video.
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The music video was recorded for an online learning module about tobacco cessation. The video is a fun way of teaching VCH staff about the importance of treating hospital inpatients for tobacco withdrawal and about the VCH smoke free premise policy, and how to manage their own tobacco addiction.
You may notice more than a few familiar faces in the video. Nearly everyone in the video is a VCH staff member or 
partner. From Senior Leadership Team members, to Paladin Security, to BC Ambulance staff – it was truly a team effort. The musicians, actors and singers were cast by holding “VCH staff Idol” auditions. About 20 singers auditioned so the decision was difficult, but we chose Kelly-Dawn Keitel, a Site Coordinator in Richmond, who did an outstanding job. We found many people with multiple talents including Gina Fernandez, an Occupational Therapist in Richmond, who choreographed the dance scenes.
The video adapted the classic hit “Doin’ It Right” by the Powder Blues Band. We were given permission to use the song by its writer, Tom Lavin, who also graciously donated his professional studio for the group recording. The song was recorded and produced by Al Harlow, lead of the classic rock band PRISM, at his studio in North Vancouver. The video was shot and meticulously edited by recent graduates from PAVI (Pacific Audio Visual Institute) who put in long hours and did an amazing job.
A key point this video makes is that we are all responsible to ensure patients with tobacco addiction do not suffer withdrawal while in our care. We appreciate the support of everyone involved in the making of this video to support this process – we hope you enjoy it!