Menu
08/02/2016
Smoking To Be Banned On NI Hospital Sites
A new smoking ban is to be introduced on all hospital sites across Northern Ireland.
From 09 March, staff, patients and visitors will be prohibited from smoking on the grounds.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride and Public Health Agency (PHA) Chief Executive Dr Eddie Rooney demolished a smoking shelter at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, which will be replaced by a bike shelter.
Dr McBride said: "One in every two people who smoke will die from their habit. By going smoke free, the health service is taking a big step forward in tackling smoking head-on by making its premises healthier environments.
"Smoking not only has a human cost. With one third of cancer deaths, and a significant proportion of coronary heart disease, strokes and circulatory illnesses, caused by smoking, it creates a massive financial burden on the health service in treating preventable smoking-related conditions.
"It is unacceptable for patients, visitors and staff to be subjected to second-hand smoking while on health and social care facilities. By making this move, we hope to both protect people's health directly and to influence cultural change by creating new norms around smoking in public."
Dr Eddie Rooney said: "Stopping smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health. Creating smoke free health and social care environments and providing tailored support for people who want to quit their habit will help in our ambition to protect public health."
(CD/JP)
From 09 March, staff, patients and visitors will be prohibited from smoking on the grounds.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride and Public Health Agency (PHA) Chief Executive Dr Eddie Rooney demolished a smoking shelter at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, which will be replaced by a bike shelter.
Dr McBride said: "One in every two people who smoke will die from their habit. By going smoke free, the health service is taking a big step forward in tackling smoking head-on by making its premises healthier environments.
"Smoking not only has a human cost. With one third of cancer deaths, and a significant proportion of coronary heart disease, strokes and circulatory illnesses, caused by smoking, it creates a massive financial burden on the health service in treating preventable smoking-related conditions.
"It is unacceptable for patients, visitors and staff to be subjected to second-hand smoking while on health and social care facilities. By making this move, we hope to both protect people's health directly and to influence cultural change by creating new norms around smoking in public."
Dr Eddie Rooney said: "Stopping smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health. Creating smoke free health and social care environments and providing tailored support for people who want to quit their habit will help in our ambition to protect public health."
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2004
Helpline receives 10,000 quit smoking calls
Around 10, 000 calls have been made to Northern Ireland’s smokers’ helpline since it was established last year, the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) said today. The figure was highlighted during the launch of the HPA’s 13th Annual Report today.
Helpline receives 10,000 quit smoking calls
Around 10, 000 calls have been made to Northern Ireland’s smokers’ helpline since it was established last year, the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) said today. The figure was highlighted during the launch of the HPA’s 13th Annual Report today.
09 January 2004
Health Service needs to tackle smoking health problems
More must be done by the Health Service to tackle the problem of smoking among people with mental health problems, a University of Ulster researcher said today.
Health Service needs to tackle smoking health problems
More must be done by the Health Service to tackle the problem of smoking among people with mental health problems, a University of Ulster researcher said today.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
15 May 2003
Agency urges hospitals to stub out smoking
The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland has urged local hospitals to unite in banning all smoking from their buildings following the news that Altnagelvin provides smoking rooms for staff and patients.
Agency urges hospitals to stub out smoking
The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland has urged local hospitals to unite in banning all smoking from their buildings following the news that Altnagelvin provides smoking rooms for staff and patients.
10 March 2014
Council Prepares For No Smoking Day
A free Belfast City Council service has helped more than 1,000 people quit smoking in the last five years, the Council has said. The smoking cessation service is offered to businesses in the Belfast area. With No Smoking Day this Wednesday (March 12), the council is hoping more businesses will sign up to the service.
Council Prepares For No Smoking Day
A free Belfast City Council service has helped more than 1,000 people quit smoking in the last five years, the Council has said. The smoking cessation service is offered to businesses in the Belfast area. With No Smoking Day this Wednesday (March 12), the council is hoping more businesses will sign up to the service.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
