“Western Health is pleased to accept the President’s Award of Thanks from the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association,” says Western Health CEO Dr. Susan Gillam. “Our smoke free policy helps us achieve our vision of having the highest level of health and wellbeing possible for the people of Western Newfoundland. As a health organization, we have a responsibility to be role models by developing and supporting policies in the best interests of health and wellness.”
"Western Health has always taken a leadership role in tobacco cessation programs,” says Paul Thomey, Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association Executive Director. “The Lung Association was pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Western Health on this project and we look forward to future partnerships in the area of respiratory health."
“Western Health is committed to ensuring a healthy community,” says Dr. Minnie Wasmeier, Chief Operating Officer of Secondary Services at Western Health. “Before becoming smoke free, we had numerous complaints from our patients and visitors about the second hand smoke they encountered when entering our facilities. We now notice that our patients and visitors are out sitting on our benches and enjoying the fresh air, where they never could before.”
The smoke free policy asks people to refrain from smoking on all Western Health properties including hospitals, clinics, offices, and parking lots. Clients are also asked to refrain from smoking when receiving a visit from a health care professional in their home, and for an hour prior to the visit.
Smokers who are considering quitting can receive support by calling the Smokers Helpline at
1-800-363-5864.
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Media Contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
709-637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca