"Non smoking status of hospital grounds."

Dear decembertn59,

I completely agree with your comments, it is unacceptable for smoking to be occurring anywhere on site at Fiona Stanley Hospital. I know how uncomfortable and unpleasant this is for everyone, and we have had many discussions internally between staff, who share your sentiments about feeling unsafe to say anything. Like I said – smoking on site is disrespectful to all, and unacceptable.

I have shared your concerns with the Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group (FSFHG) Smoke Free Working Group as well as the South Metropolitan Health Service Manager of Health Promotion. It is acknowledged that this is a complex and ongoing problem. The working group has however assured me that they are actively exploring new measures with Executive support to hopefully mitigate this issue.

I thought you may also like to be across some of the other approaches which are being actively trialled and explored:

1.The FSFHG Smoke Free Working Group – mentioned above, meets every 2 months, chaired by the Health Promotion Team with Executive sponsorship.

2. Staff education

a. We recently launched a training module: “Proud to be Smoke and Vape Free” which we recommend all staff complete.

b. Managing nicotine dependency - It is a priority to educate clinical staff to anticipate and manage nicotine withdrawal within 30 minutes of admission to hospital (including ED). An updated online learning module on managing patients with nicotine dependency is in development.

3. Support for staff who smoke or vape

a. ‘Smoking and Vaping Less’ staff webinars were recently held to support staff who wish to cut down or stop smoking.

b. Staff Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Program – in the last 12 months we have seen 150% increase in the staff uptake of NRT.

4. Communications – Regular news items and digital messaging.

5. Audio messaging – A recent evaluation of the existing audio messaging system (located at the place you specifically refer to) was conducted and pending funding, an update of the messages will be undertaken. Additional locations may be considered, subject to further funding.

6. Patient education - Recently launched “Smoke Free” posters to display in clinical areas for patients.

7.Smoke Free Procedure for SMHS – The development of a new procedure is also in progress to articulate clearly the expectations and responsibilities across SMHS.

Please be assured that as an organisation we take this issue seriously and we are striving to maintain a comfortable and compliant environment for all.

Thank you for raising this important issue on a public forum – I really do appreciate it.

Kind regards,

Michael Musk

Dear decembertn59,

I agree with your sentiments completely and can reiterate that as a health service we are dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of our community at all times, which leaves us also feeling very frustrated when people disregard our Smoke Free status. Security officers while on patrol will educate by explaining the no smoking policy and request people smoking to move on. The hospital, however, has no authority to prevent people smoking on public property which includes the footpaths on the perimeter of the hospital.

Maintaining a safe and healthy environment is a priority for us, and we strictly enforce our no smoking policy with clear signage and regular patrols by our Security Officers. I appreciate your suggestions regarding increasing to an hourly security presence to monitor this situation, however as we are such a large site, effective patrolling is challenging. A security officer can be requested to attend the area by calling the Helpdesk on 6152 2222 or asking reception to page an Officer for you.

Please be assured that we take this matter seriously and are committed to strengthening solutions outlined initially by my colleague Dr Michael Musk. I once again apologise though for the discomfort this situation has continued to cause you.

Warm regards,

Neil Doverty