Smoke and Vape-Free Hospital Grounds
Fewer Australians are smoking. Despite this, smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Australia. That’s why we need to keep the air around our hospitals and other health facilities clean and free from toxic chemicals produced from smoking and vaping.
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.
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.
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6 hours
Your heart rate slows and your blood pressure becomes more stable.
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1 day
Oxygen reaches your heart and muscles more easily. Your fingertips become warmer and your hands steadier.
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1 week
Your sense of taste and smell may improve.
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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.
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6 months
You’re likely to feel less stressed.
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1 year
Your lungs are now healthier and you’ll be breathing easier.
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2 to 5 years
Your risk of heart attack and stroke starts to drop.
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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).
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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).
Ask nursing staff or your medical team about free NRT.
NRT gum is available to purchase for $4 (2 x $2 coins) from vending machines in Wyong Hospital emergency department and Gosford Hospital level 4, above emergency near the sliding door entry.
Contact Staff Health Clinic.
You can also talk to your GP about managing cravings and NRT.
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.
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.
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.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue: 1800 512 348
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
- 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.