Health facilities going smoke free

From No Smoking Day on March 9, smoking will not be allowed on site by staff, patients or visitors.

Northern Trust Medical Director, Dr Ken Lowry said: “One in every two people who smoke will die from their habit. One third of all cancer deaths and a significant proportion of coronary heart disease, strokes and circulatory illnesses are caused by smoking.

“Every year in Northern Ireland it is costing somewhere in the region of £164 million to treat smoking related illnesses. Put in perspective, that is the equivalent of one quarter of the Northern Trust’s total annual operating budget.”

By creating smoke free environments, the Trust is hoping that it can take a big step forward in empowering people to quit their habit and live healthier lives.

Confirming that stopping smoking is the single greatest thing that people can do to improve their health, Dr Lowry said: “Our aim is not only to protect people’s health but also to influence cultural change by creating new norms around smoking in public. People should certainly not be subjected to second-hand smoke on our facilities.”

Specialist stop smoking support is at hand for those who want to quit smoking through GPs or pharmacists. Further information on support services is available from the Trust’s Health Improvement Service, tel. 028 2563 5575 or via www.want2stop.info.