Vitalité Health Network remains proactive in combatting smoking
Bathurst, Thursday, April 13, 2017 – Vitalité Health Network is pursuing its proactive efforts to combat smoking. Since January 1, 2016, all facilities and grounds of Vitalité Health Network have been 100% smoke free.
Smoke-free together to improve people’s health
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Smoke-free hospitals help reduce the adverse effects of smoking, encourage healthy choices, and support an environment that is healthy for everyone, including patients, staff, and visitors. The Network is committed to promoting health and preventing illness. This initiative supports our mission, which is to excel in improving people’s health. The Network also reiterates that it offers support and education to inpatients who smoke in order to help them quit smoking or not smoke during their hospital stay.
Provincial legislation underpinning the Network’s policy
Last December, the Government of New Brunswick amended its Smoke-free Places Act to add the grounds of the regional health authorities to the areas where smoking is prohibited. The Network reminds people that, under the law, smoking is defined as follows:
- To smoke, hold or otherwise have control over an ignited tobacco product or another ignited substance that is intended to be smoked;
- To inhale or exhale vapour from, or to hold or otherwise have control over, an activated electronic cigarette, an activated water pipe, or another activated device containing a substance that is intended to be inhaled or exhaled.
Importance of maintaining a smoke-free environment
With the return of the nice weather, the Network wishes to take this opportunity to reiterate the importance of obeying the Smoke-free Environment policy and supporting a healthy environment for all. Anyone found contravening this policy will receive a warning from the Provincial Inspector regarding their failure to obey the law. Repeat offences will bring fines ranging from $140 to $1100.
In addition to reminding people that it is prohibited to smoke inside vehicles found on its grounds, the Network wishes to thank the public and employees for their valuable cooperation.
