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07/02/2005
Doctors and nurses join forces to tackle smoking proposals
The British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland have joined forces to help the public take part in the Government's current consultation on whether to ban smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces.
The two organisations, representing thousands of doctors and nurses in Northern Ireland, are strong advocates for a complete end to passive smoking in public.
In its recently published consultation document, ‘A Healthier Future’, the Government put forward three proposals for Northern Ireland, two of which the BMA and RCN said they do not believe provide proper protection from second-hand smoke.
Both organisations say they want to see the third option implemented which will protect all workers by introducing legislation to stop people smoking in enclosed public places.
Dr Brian Patterson, BMA(NI) Chairman, said: "Doctors and nurses see the deadly results every day of patients who are subjected to second-hand tobacco smoke, heart disease, cancer and respiratory problems. Passive smoking increases the risk of heart disease by 25-35% and lung cancer by 20-30%. It almost doubles the risk of stroke and 8 out of 10 asthmatics say second-hand smoke can trigger an attack.
"We have no law to protect people from the health risks of passive smoking. Calling for such legislation is not about restricting civil liberties; it is about protecting workers and non-smokers from the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke."
Martin Bradley, RCN Northern Ireland Director, added: “The consultation on smoking is a real opportunity for all of us to do something to improve our health and that of future generations. We must seize this opportunity now and make it clear to the Government that we wish to see an end to smoking in enclosed public places.
"During this week we will placing supplies of postcards at all GP surgeries and hospitals throughout Northern Ireland and I would urge everyone to sign a copy and return it as soon as possible.”
The Government’s consultation period ends on March 30.
(MB)
The two organisations, representing thousands of doctors and nurses in Northern Ireland, are strong advocates for a complete end to passive smoking in public.
In its recently published consultation document, ‘A Healthier Future’, the Government put forward three proposals for Northern Ireland, two of which the BMA and RCN said they do not believe provide proper protection from second-hand smoke.
Both organisations say they want to see the third option implemented which will protect all workers by introducing legislation to stop people smoking in enclosed public places.
Dr Brian Patterson, BMA(NI) Chairman, said: "Doctors and nurses see the deadly results every day of patients who are subjected to second-hand tobacco smoke, heart disease, cancer and respiratory problems. Passive smoking increases the risk of heart disease by 25-35% and lung cancer by 20-30%. It almost doubles the risk of stroke and 8 out of 10 asthmatics say second-hand smoke can trigger an attack.
"We have no law to protect people from the health risks of passive smoking. Calling for such legislation is not about restricting civil liberties; it is about protecting workers and non-smokers from the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke."
Martin Bradley, RCN Northern Ireland Director, added: “The consultation on smoking is a real opportunity for all of us to do something to improve our health and that of future generations. We must seize this opportunity now and make it clear to the Government that we wish to see an end to smoking in enclosed public places.
"During this week we will placing supplies of postcards at all GP surgeries and hospitals throughout Northern Ireland and I would urge everyone to sign a copy and return it as soon as possible.”
The Government’s consultation period ends on March 30.
(MB)
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