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24 November 2003
Irish College of Psychiatrists
Want a Health Centred Approach to Smoking in Psychiatric Hospitals
The Irish College of Psychiatrists is concerned about
indications that a carte blanche will be afforded to psychiatric
hospitals in regard to smoking. Whereas we did want some level of
derogation in regard to the proposal ban – we do not want
all areas of hospitals designated as smoking areas.
Our position on this issue is health focused –
as follows:
- We essentially support the Minister for Health
in his plans to generate a smokefree workplace. The serious
risks associated with smoking and the inhalation of passive
smoke are well established.
- We would like the Department
of Health to fund a comprehensive cessation programme for psychiatric
patients. We believe that many of our patients will quit if
afforded appropriate assistance and support.
- In the interim we suggest the setting up of
a location in each hospital where patients who are smokers can
smoke at certain times. In selecting this designated area we
would want the risk to staff and non-smoking patients minimised.
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