THUNDER BAY -- Even through a recent cold snap, St. Joseph's Hospital administration found that most smokers were complying with the recently-imposed prohibition against smoking anywhere on hospital property.
The ban went into effect in early December within the boundaries of the hospital property as well as the grounds of the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. That was almost a full month ahead of a provincially-mandated ban that now covers all hospitals and psychiatric facilities in Ontario.
Janet Sillman, vice-president of addictions and mental health for St. Joseph's Care Group, said "the first month was to get us ready for the legislation...really, to get the message out there."
In an interview Wednesday with tbnewswatch.com, Sillman said "Considering the very, very cold weather that we've experienced, it has gone very well. People have done their darndest" to comply, she said.
Designated smoking areas that had been established within the property lines of both facilities were eliminated under the ban. In the case of the LPH, that's forced smokers to take a long walk off the grounds in order to light up.
"We were all concerned about it because it's a bit of a hike, but our clients have done so well. They get dressed appropriately and make their way to the edge of the property, and smoke there," Sillman said.
In instances of non-compliance, she said, "with the input of our clinical team, we provide education, we support the clients, we encourage the clients to get to the edge of the property before they start smoking."
According to Sillman , the two locations combined have fewer than 30 clients who smoke, and clinical team members are working individually with them to encourage them to reduce or quit their use of tobacco.
The law provides no exceptions for patients whose health status may make it extra-difficult to adhere to the ban, Sillman noted.
"We need to work with them and their family members. If they do want to continue smoking, then we need to figure a way to support them to get to the edge of the property to smoke...regardless of what their illness is."
St. Joseph's Care Group employees who smoke are being provided with similar support as part of the effort to ensure compliance.
