Butt out: what’s new in the smoke-free policy?
Our smoke-free policy, which applies to staff and the public, has been updated with a few changes. Most notably, the policy now bans e-cigarettes from all VCH property including buildings, green spaces, sidewalks and parking lots.
What has changed in the policy?
- The only exception to the policy is ceremonial use of Aboriginal traditional medicines
- Smoking of marijuana, other products and e-cigarettes is prohibited on all property
- The definition of smoke or smoking now includes lighted smoking equipment or any substance that is lighted, vapourized or heated
Who is responsible for the policy?
- Staff
- Management
- VCH Tobacco Reduction
- Facilities
- Security
- Housekeeping
The various responsibilities of the above group can be found on the second page of the policy.
What if someone uses medical marijuana?
If you use medically prescribed marijuana you have two options:
- Leave VCH property and smoke in a location where they do not affect other people; or
- Use oral nabilone: a formulary alternative for those patients who cannot leave the hospital to smoke their marijuana.
Sina LePage
In the last month, I have seen many times patients smoking on the property of The Richmond Hosptial. The most popular place I have noted is the alcove below the non-smoking sign at the West Entrance. When I asked an on duty staff about it, I was told there was nothing staff could do about patients or visitiors smoking on the property as it is the responsiblility of the City By-Law officers to issue citations or tickets to the offenders and not the staff’s responsibility. At first, I was shocked by the staff members response, however, giving it some more thought, I belive this response is justified. Staff are witnessing smoking on VCH property and nothing changes even if reported, it just keeps happening. In other words, this policy is just blowing smoke. What I really want to know is who is truly responsible for enforcing this policy and what can be done to ensure its effectiveness? Not to mention, it takes a fair bit of tact and boldness to walk up to a stranger and ask them to butt out, so to speak.
Joanne Louise
I walk thru the entrance to VGH on 12th, having to walk around and thru the crowds of patients and visitors smoking as well as the clouds of smoke.
You make all these polices, and pat yourselves on the back… but who is enforcing this “policy”? Obviously nobody. People are leaning against the no-smoking signs with cigarette butts hanging out of their mouths.
Christina Tonella
Hi Joanne,
Thank-you for your comments. We are working on improving compliance to the policy at VGH and have implemented a campaign that includes increasing awareness, staff education, and enforcement. The enforcement component includes regular walkabouts by Vancouver Acute Directors and Human Resources advisors to remind smokers to move to the sidewalk to smoke. There is progressive discipline for staff who continue to smoke on VCH property. We ask all staff to ask people smoking on site to move to the sidewalk to smoke. A patient plan will be implemented soon to help patients who are smokers stay comfortable and safe indoors. Feel free to contact me at christina.tonella@vch.ca.
Thank-you,
Christina.