New signage outside the entrances to Monash Children’s Hospital, Monash Medical Centre and the Clayton Emergency Department will reinforce the message that Monash Health is a smoke and vape-free environment, as part of a pilot campaign.
The pilot also features several audio messages which are being broadcast over loudspeakers at the entrances of both hospitals, with Monash Children’s Hospital School students, parents and an employee featured.
We recently updated the Monash Health smoke-free policy and procedure – now reflecting smoke-free and vape-free content – to ensure they meet legislative Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic) obligations in relation to e-cigarettes.
The updates to the policy and procedure reinforce the message that smoking and/or vaping is not permitted anywhere in or on Monash Health vehicles, workplaces, or premises and strongly discouraged next to adjacent residential areas.
The new signage helps highlight the requirements at some of the highest traffic areas of our hospitals. Following an assessment of the pilot, signage will be installed or updated at other Monash Health sites.
The policy and procedure aim to maintain a safe and healthy smoke-free environment for the health and safety of patients, residents, visitors, contractors, volunteers, students and employees.
The policy also states:
- No individual is obligated to be exposed to tobacco smoke or e-cigarette vapor while undertaking any work for Monash Health
- Employees must not provide escort off-premises for patients to smoke or vape
- Monash Health has a Smoke-free Committee to govern the policy.
Monash Health is fully committed to providing a smoke-free and vape-free environment for all our employees, patients and visitors. In line with our Smoke-free Action Plan, reducing employee smoking rates and supporting those who wish to quit or reduce their smoking habits are critical objectives for us.
Research indicates that eight out of 10 smokers in Victoria express a desire to quit. To achieve this goal effectively, a comprehensive approach to quitting is essential. For many smokers, a brief intervention from their healthcare professional, combined with pharmacotherapy and behavioural intervention, can significantly increase their chances of successfully quitting and adopting healthier habits.
At Monash Health, we are implementing several initiatives to reduce smoking and vaping on our premises and provide a supportive model of care for those who smoke or vape. The Corporate Smoke-free Committee has developed a Smoke-free Action Plan with three key objectives:
- Create and embed a smoke-free environment
- Reduce employee smoking rates
- Support patients in their efforts to quit smoking.
The Committee is working on a number of initiatives to help achieve these objectives.
Monash Health can support you in your quit journey. Accessing the Quitline (QUIT) is free, please call 13 QUIT or 13 7848 or visit quit.org.au. Referrals are not needed; anyone can access Quitline.
Extra resources
- For more information on vaping visit the Vaping Facts page
- I want to help a loved one or friend quit
- Download a brochure for a plan to quit
- I am part of or want to help someone in the LGBTIQ+ community to quit
- If you would like to speak to an Aboriginal Quitline counsellor
- To access self-help materials: Tips Hub, QuitCoach, QuitText, or My Quit Buddy
If you want further information on the work of the Smoke-free Team, please contact them at smokefree@monashealth.org.