Totally Smokefree
We are committed to maximising the health and wellbeing of the population by having a smokefree environment and providing support to people who smoke.
What we've done
Support for patients
We implemented a clinical model of care for patients who smoke, with leadership from our pharmacy team.
Support for staff
We support our staff who smoke, recognising the vital link between staff health and wellbeing and outstanding patient care.
Start the conversation campaign
Our innovative 'Start the Conversation' campaign won gold at the Melbourne Design Awards in 2014, and was a finalist in the 2015 VicHealth awards.
Stop before the Op
We developed ‘Stop Before the Op’ to support our patients prior to planned admissions, recognising the strong link between smoking and surgical complications.
Statewide smokefree forums
Together with the Department of Health and Human Services, we led a series of forums around the state during June 2017.
Resources
Common questions
What is Totally Smokefree at Alfred Health?
All Alfred Health sites are Totally Smokefree. This means that smoking is not permitted in any indoor or outdoor areas within our property boundaries and should be observed at all times. This includes the use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other related products.
Why is Alfred Health Totally Smokefree?
As a leading health service, we want patients, residents, visitors, contractors, volunteers and staff to enjoy a safe, healthy and comfortable environment. That’s why we are proud to be Totally Smokefree.
There is a high level of public support for smokefree environments within health services.
Who does Totally Smokefree apply to?
Totally Smokefree applies to all people who access Alfred Health sites – patients, residents, visitors, contractors, volunteers and employees.
No staff member is at any stage obliged to expose themselves to environmental tobacco smoke while undertaking work on behalf of Alfred Health. Alfred Health employees will not escort patients for the purposes of smoking.
What support is available for patients who smoke?
Alfred Health is committed to supporting patients who smoke.
Alfred Health pharmacists provide clinical leadership in best practice smoking cessation care.
Patients may choose to access supports offered by Alfred Health. These include behavioural support and medications such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Alfred Health’s Smokefree team provides specialist smoking cessation care for Alfred Health patients. For further information please email quitsmoking@alfred.org.au.
Patients may also be referred to Quit Victoria who provides a range of telephone and web based support services for people who are considering or attempting to quit smoking. Primary care providers including general practitioners and pharmacists are well placed to support people to quit smoking assisted by stop smoking medicines where indicated.
Are people required to quit smoking?
There is no requirement for individuals to quit smoking. We respect that people may exercise a personal choice to smoke.
The vast majority of people who smoke intend to quit at some stage. Alfred Health is keen to support patients, volunteers and employees in their attempts to cease smoking.
For information and advice regarding smoking cessation supports, contact quitsmoking@alfred.org.au.
What will happen if a patient or visitor smokes while on Alfred Health property?
Signage and other communication strategies aim to ensure all people are aware of Totally Smokefree at Alfred Health.
Anyone seen smoking within the property boundaries may be approached by a security officer or other staff member and reminded that Alfred Health is Totally Smokefree and the supports that are available to assist.
What will happen if an employee smokes while on Alfred Health property?
Signage and other communication strategies aim to ensure all people are aware of Totally Smokefree at Alfred Health.
Employees are accountable for compliance with Alfred Health’s Totally Smokefree policy; occasions of non-compliance by employees may be considered grounds for disciplinary action.
What is next for Totally Smokefree at Alfred Health?
Along with continually improving the way we support patients and staff who smoke, we are considering how we can best support people who smoke around the property perimeters.
We are also always looking for innovative ways to communicate Totally Smokefree at Alfred Health.