Mental health community residences go tobaccofree

The HSE is committed to promoting the health of patients, staff and visitors. Smoking is one of the leading causes of death and illness and we have an obligation to everyone to address this critical public health issue.

In line with National HSE policy, we plan to implement a Tobacco Free Campus in all mental health settings in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary on a phased basis. This initiative commenced on October 1st 2014 with Day Hospitals, Day Centres and Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services becoming Tobacco Free Campuses. March 2nd, 2015 will see the launch of the second phase and this will cover all Mental Health Community Residences.

Teresa Bulfin, Senior Operations Manager, Mental Health Mid West Community Healthcare commented: 'This second phase of the tobacco free campus policy being introduced will create a healthier, smoke-free and clean environment for the residents of our community facilities as well as for staff, visitors and contract workers. The first phase of this initiative was well received and widely supported. Providing smoke free campuses sends out a clear message that we are committed to protecting and promoting the health of our patients, staff and all who use our services. We are committed to reducing the use of tobacco and its harmful health effects.'

While introducing a Tobacco Free Campus has it challenges for both patients and staff it provides an opportunity to address the health needs of a vulnerable and highly disadvantaged sector of society. At any one time, some 50% of persons with mental ill health smoke with this figure being as high as 70% in some acute settings. For this reason many of these patients are much more likely to die of stroke or cardiovascular disease than the general population (Royal College of Physicians 2013). Therefore, there is a duty to prioritise the rights of people with mental ill health and to provide the same protection and health interventions as the general population. The HSE will ensure that clients are supported and treated compassionately in the implementation of this policy.

Bedelia Collins, Senior Health Promotion Officer, HSE Mid West Community Healthcare says, 'We are treating tobacco addiction as a care issue and are actively promoting smoking cessation to support patients to quit. We are urging all doctors and allied healthcare workers to support the tobacco free campus policy initiative. We want to create environments that promote wellness and prevent illness.'

The HSE launched a new free QUIT support service in January 2015, with a new support team of counsellors available over the phone, by email, live web-chat or via Twitter or Facebook. Log onto www.quit.ie or contact the quit team on 1800 201 203.