Editor—McKee et al put the case for smoke free hospitals.1 At St Joseph's Health Care in London, Ontario, we used to have smoking in the surgeons' lounge and in a designated smoking room for patients. Now, patients who have “bad chests” and who smoke are made to stop if they wish to have elective procedures. Anaesthetists will cancel operations if this is not adhered to.
About five years ago all smoking in this hospital disappeared. Non-medical members of staff smoked at the outpatient entrance, as did a few desperate patients in wheelchairs, often with intravenous drips.
This practice was made illegal by hospital bylaw. Now neither staff nor patients smoke within 30 feet (10 m) of the hospital. Cigarette ends in disused corridors have gone.
The city of London followed by making smoking illegal in all restaurants and public places. Bars have to decide whether they serve food. If not, smoking is allowed in them.
Competing interests: None declared.
References
- 1.McKee M, Gilmore A, Novotny TE. Smoke free hospitals. BMJ 2003;326: 941-2. (3 May.) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]