The smoking ban at DHF facilities will include hospital campuses, community and remote health centres, NT Families and Children offices, and DHF vehicles. The policy applies to all staff, patients, clients and visitors, and has been developed after extensive consultation.
The smoking restrictions are part of a comprehensive approach to caring for patients and clients who are dependent on tobacco.
"DHF's Smoke Free Policy is a major milestone in the Northern Territory," said DHF Chief Health Officer Dr Barbara Paterson.
"Smoking is acknowledged to be the single most preventable cause of serious illness and death. It is linked with ten per cent of Australia's total burden of disease."
"Staff who still smoke will be given help to quit, if they wish, and patients who smoke will be offered nicotine substitute therapy during their hospital stay. It is especially important to promote smoking cessation to people who are to undergo surgery," said Dr Paterson.
Stopping smoking in the workplace has also been found to be effective in protecting workers from exposure to second hand tobacco smoke, of which there is no safe level of exposure. It also reduces the amount people smoke each day and increases the chance that smokers will quit successfully.
To promote the Smoke Free message in remote communities, DHF provides programs such as Quit Freshstart, and SmokeCheck, an intervention program with an Indigenous emphasis that gives remote health workers tools to assist Aboriginal people to quit. Free Quit Freshstart courses are also being conducted in a number of urban areas, including Palmerston and Casuarina.
DHF's Smoke Free Policy and frequently asked questions can be viewed at:
www.health.nt.gov.au/Alcohol_and_Other_Drugs/Tobacco/DHF_Smoke_Free_Policy
If you're thinking about quitting, call the NT Quitline 137 848 (13 QUIT).