Govt to ban smoking across all GHA and ERS sites

The Gibraltar Government will ban smoking across all Gibraltar Health Authority and Elderly Residential Services premises as from October.

The ban will cover both indoor and outdoor areas, subject to very limited exemptions.

Regulations published yesterday and supported by a new GHA smoking policy will come into force coinciding with ‘Stoptober’, the annual no-smoking campaign by Public Health England.

Smoking is already prohibited in most enclosed public areas in accordance with the Smoke Free Environment Act.

The regulations introduced yesterday add most outdoor and unenclosed areas on GHA and ERS premises to the list of places where smoking is prohibited by law.

Smoking is a leading factor in many causes of death and chronic illnesses, including cancer and respiratory and heart diseases.

Despite this well-known fact, smoking prevalence has increased in Gibraltar, according to the latest Health and Lifestyle Survey published in 2015.

Importantly, exposure to second hand smoke is also a known health hazard that is proved to increase the risk of several serious illnesses and death.

The new regulations aim to promote a healthier and cleaner environment for all patients, visitors, residents and staff of the GHA and ERS and to encourage members of the community to stop smoking.

“The ban on smoking within GHA and ERS premises is very much a reflection of the GHA’s ethos of promoting healthy lifestyle choices and environmentally-friendly practices,” said Neil Costa, the Minister for Health, Care and Justice.

“This ban does not intend to impede those who wish to smoke; a decision we entirely respect.”

“The regulations and new policy mean that patients, residents, employees and visitors to ERS and GHA premises will not be subject to second hand smoke when on the premises, even in unenclosed areas.”

The GHA runs a ‘Stop Smoking Clinic’ and appointments can be booked with the Nurse Practitioner via telephone, on 20007865, or alternatively by visiting the Green Area at the Primary Care Centre.

The clinic provides advice and support to persons trying to quit, with the aim of increasing their chances of quitting for good and enjoying healthier lives.

Further information on the risks of smoking can be found on the Public Health website: http://www.healthygibraltar.org/quit-smoking/