At Barwon Health, health is our business. We are therefore dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of our patients, staff and visitors. As a result, all Barwon Health sites are now 'Totally Smoke Free', creating a safe and healthy smoke-free environment for all. Smoking is not permitted in any building, outdoor area or vehicle within the bourndaries of Barwon Health facilities.

To find out more about the Totally Smoke Free Policy, follow the links below:

• Barwon Health Totally Smoke Free Policy
• Information brochure
• The smoke free story - how and why Barwon Health has become Smoke Free
• Help for smokers
• Quitting smoking before surgery
• Limited exemptions to Barwon Health Policy

Thinking of Quitting? Think about the benefits!

• Increase your likelihood of living a longer life and improving the quality of your life
• Be free of the smell of smoke
• Feel more comfortable in smoke-free places
• Increase your confidence and take control of your life
• Improve your appearance
• Protect family and friends from the dangers of passive smoking
• Save money

For QUIT support and information:

• Speak to your GP or local community health service
• Visit www.quit.org.au
• Phone the Quitline on 13 78 48

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Help for Smokers

The development of the Smoke Free Policy has resulted in a major shift in our approach to assisting patients who smoke. “Guidelines for managing nicotine dependent patients” have been developed which ensure all patients who smoke receive appropriate advice and support to quit or to manage their smoking during their stay in hospital. This may include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for the duration of their inpatient stay, and on discharge if the patients wish to pursue efforts to quit. Referral to community-based support is also provided.

Quitting smoking before surgery | Some good reasons to quit | The quitting process

Help is available | Nicotine Replacement Therapy | Where can I find help

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Quitting smoking PRIOR to surgery is particularly encouraged.

If you smoke, your body is less able to cope with anesthesia and you are more at risk of:

· Reduced oxygen supply to your heart

· Increased likelihood of blood clotting

· Slower healing of bones and skin

· Wound infection and

· Decreased tolerance to pain that requires higher doses of pain-relieving drugs.

By quitting for eight or more weeks before surgery these risks can be reduced considerably.

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For your health

Tobacco contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive drug. Tobacco smoke can lead to:

· All types of cancer (lung, mouth, blood, kidney etc) as there are over 60 known cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarettes (source QUIT)

· Heart and blood vessel disease

· Lung disease including emphysema

· Less oxygen being carried around the body

· Stickier blood that is more prone to clotting

· Reduced functioning of the immune system

· Reduced bone density

· Reduced sperm count for men and

· Reduced fertility for women

For yourself and your family

Quitting smoking also means you:

· Protect family and friends from the dangers of passive smoking.

· Feel more comfortable in smoke-free places.

· Can be free of the smell of smoke.

· Save money - if you smoke a packet a day you will save over $4,000 a year; if you smoke a packet a week, quitting will save you over $600.

· Can increase your confidence and improve your appearance.

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The Quitting Process

Planning leads to success. The four stages of getting ready to quit are:

1. Understanding your nicotine addiction
Nicotine is highly addictive and affects the chemicals in your brain.

2. Knowing why you smoke
Reasons include addiction, social pressure, habit, stress release and pleasure.

3. Planning ways to deal with quitting
Visit your doctor to discuss sources of support and monitor your progress.

4. Setting a date to quit
Choose an easy date to stop, when you will not be under much pressure and will be busy.

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Help is available

Many people find that going “cold turkey” and simply stopping smoking, works for them but there are other support methods, including:

· Courses: QUIT courses offer extra support in a friendly atmosphere. Advice and information is provided on what to expect from a withdrawal as well as stress management and relaxation techniques.

· Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NRT reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms and comes in a number of different forms.

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Nicotine Replacement Therapy 

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can be useful in helping you stop smoking, as it reduces withdrawal symptoms from nicotine. Use of NRT should be combined with an understanding of what triggers you to smoke. Support from family and friends is also important. All forms of NRT are available from pharmacies without prescription and are equally effective. Deciding between forms of NRT can be helped by discussion with your doctor or pharmacist:

· NICOTINE PATCHES: Patches come in different strengths. They are placed on the skin and provide nicotine continuously.

· NICOTINE GUM & LOZENGES: Gum and lozenges come in different strengths and are equally effective, but do not provide continuous release of nicotine. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

· NICOTINE INHALERS: Inhalers consist of a plastic tube with a plug loaded with nicotine, which is inserted into a mouthpiece. Nicotine is vapourised and absorbed in the mouth when air is drawn in though the inhaler.

It is important to follow instructions on how to use these products. If you have a medical condition, are taking medication or are pregnant, seek medical advice before starting NRT.

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For quit support and information:

· Speak to your GP or Local Community Health Service

· Visit www.quit.org.au or

· Phone the Quitline on 13 78 48