A Department of Health and Families (DHF) staff survey on tobacco smoking shows three-quarters of respondents support the Department's new Smoke Free Policy, which takes effect on 1 July 2009.
The smoking ban includes all DHF facilities such as hospital campuses, community and remote health centres, NT Families and Children offices, and DHF vehicles. Hospitals will have an option to provide a designated outdoor smoking area.
There were 1,710 DHF staff responses to the survey conducted in April 2009.
The great majority of staff-74.0 percent-supported the new Smoke Free Policy.
"Nineteen percent of the staff who responded to this survey were current smokers. Twenty-six percent of the respondents were ex-smokers and 55.0 percent were non-smokers. That means that 81.0 per cent of our staff are non-smokers, compared with the NT figure of 72.0 per cent non-smokers," said DHF Chief Health Officer Dr Barbara Paterson.
"DHF's Smoke Free Policy is a major milestone in the Northern Territory. 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.
"This survey also shows that staff exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is quite high. Thirty-two percent reported they were exposed to smoke in their daily life, while 12.0 percent said they were exposed to smoke between three and four days a week. A further 20.0 percent said they experienced environmental tobacco smoke at least once a week.
"It's encouraging that staff supported the elimination of smoking in the workplace. Staff wishing to stop smoking will be offered support to help them quit," said Dr Paterson.
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
Media contact: Darrel Trueman, 0401 116 203
MEDIA NOTE: Smoke Free banners measuring 8 metres x 1.2 metres will be installed in prominent positions at all hospitals. The installation of the banners will be a good film/photo opportunity. We will endeavour to advise you in advance so you can be there when the banner goes up at a hospital near you.
Release date: Thursday 14 May 2009
