A healthier Central Coast for all

Smoke and vape free because of me

Our patients, visitors and staff should be able to attend our facilities without worrying about whether they are going to breathe in chemicals that could damage their health.

Everyone has a role in contributing towards a cleaner, healthier environment for our patients, visitors and staff.

A young boy smiling while lying on a hospital bed as a nurse smiles at him. A young mother holding her newborn baby who has tubes coming from its nose. A health professional with a pen and clipboard in hand filing out a form as they are sat with an older cancer patient. A young man lying in a gown in a hospital bed as a health professional not in focus places a device on his heart. An older man holding the hat of an older lady seated on a hospital bed. A midwife tends to a newborn baby. A health professional talking to a disabled man with his carer next to him. An Aboriginal mother with her young child in her arms outside.

The benefits of quitting

Every attempt to quit smoking or vaping is a step in the right direction. It is never too late to start your quit journey.

Most people who smoke or vape want to quit so they can enjoy the health benefits that come from quitting.

The good news is as soon as you quit, your body starts to repair. Here are the benefits you will gain from quitting smoking.

  • 6 hours

    Your heart rate slows and your blood pressure becomes more stable.

  • 1 day

    Oxygen reaches your heart and muscles more easily. Your fingertips become warmer and your hands steadier.

  • 1 week

    Your sense of taste and smell may improve.

  • 3 months

    You’re coughing and wheezing less. Blood flow to your hands and feet improves. Your immune system is better at fighting off infection.

  • 6 months

    You’re likely to feel less stressed.

  • 1 year

    Your lungs are now healthier and you’ll be breathing easier.

  • 2 to 5 years

    Your risk of heart attack and stroke starts to drop.

  • 10 to 15 years

    Your risk of lung cancer is half that of a person of a similar age who is still smoking (provided the disease was not already present when you quit).

  • 20 years

    Your risk of heart attack and stroke is close to that of a person who has never smoked.

Smoke-free laws

Smoke-free Environment Act 2000

Regular patrols to ensure compliance

The smoke-free law for local hospitals

Support to quit

We understand the challenges of managing nicotine cravings and quitting. But support is out there.

Nicotine replacement therapy

To help while you are at hospital or attending one of our services, we provide nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Patients:

Ask nursing staff or your medical team about NRT.

Visitors:

NRT gum is available from vending machines in the emergency department

Staff:

Contact Staff Health Clinic

You can also talk to your GP about managing cravings and NRT.

A young man standing at a nicotine gum dispensing machine.
Three young people laughing outside.

iCanQuit

Cancer Institute NSW’s iCanQuit website has tips and tools to help you quit, such as the ability to create your own plan with the My Quit Plan tracker, a savings calculator, proven quitting methods, as well as a community message board with stories and experiences shared by people who have gone, or are going through, their quit journey.

Explore

Quitline program

For further support, you can contact the Quitline program. Quitline is a clinical service that provides confidential advice, tips, and support to help people quit smoking or vaping. Counsellors will also help you think of ways to approach a conversation with someone you know who needs support to kick the habit.

You can request a call back or call Quitline free on 13 7848. A culturally sensitive service is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by calling 13 7848 and asking to speak to an Aboriginal counsellor.

Learn more
An adult man smiling while talking on his mobile phone at a table with his laptop open.

Mental Health support services

Some people may find issues relating to smoking or vaping distressing. If you or someone you know needs additional support, please contact any of the below crisis support helplines.

  • Headspace can help young people (aged 12–25) with mental health, alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. Visit headspace.org.au
  • Kids Helpline provides free, 24/7 advice and counselling on the phone, through Webchat or online. Call 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au
  • Youth Beyond Blue helps young people to understand and look after their mental health. Young people can call or chat online with a counsellor at any time. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit youthbeyondblue.com.
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services provide specialist community-based services for young people. Call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 for advice, assessment and referral.

Other pages you might be interested in

A collection of vapes in various colours.
Smoking & Vaping

E-Cigarettes and Vaping

See the dangers of e-cigarettes, nicotine addiction, and how to seek support.

The Say No to Vaping logo.
Smoking & Vaping

Say No to Vaping

A campaign to highlight the health risks of using e-cigarettes to teenagers.

Latest News

View more news