Members of The Royal's smoke free policy implementation team accept the Smoke Free Champion Award from Ottawa Public Health
The Royal is a leader in mental health research and care. On January 18, it was also recognized as a leader in the campaign for smoke-free environments by Ottawa Public Health.
The Smoke-Free Champion Award was presented at The Royal by Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Isra Levy; Vice-Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health, Dr. Atul Kapur; and Kitchissippi Ward Councillor, Katherine Hobbs.
The Royal became 100 per cent smoke-free on January 3, 2012. Along with declaring its campus smoke-free, the hospital has also implemented a smoking cessation program to help people eliminate their smoking habits.
In commenting about The Royal’s new policy, President and CEO George Weber said, “Quitting smoking is never easy, in particular when you are dealing with a severe illness, but the health risks associated with smoking and second-hand smoke are too high for us to ignore the issue at our health care facilities.”
The Royal’s smoking cessation program, which includes clinical and social supports, is designed to help clients adapt to its new smoke-free environment. “Smoking is very common among people with mental illness — about twice as common as within the general population,” the CEO added.