Forensic centre becomes first mental health service to go smoke-free

1/7/07
Western Australia's treatment centre for people who are mentally unwell and have been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime or found not guilty due to unsoundness of mind will go smoke-free today.
Health Minister Jim McGinty said the State Forensic Mental Health Service, based at the Frankland Centre on the campus of Graylands Hospital, would be the first public psychiatric facility in WA to ban smoking by staff and patients.
"Providing modern mental healthcare means looking after the physical health of patients, as well as their mental health," Mr McGinty said.
"Smoking kills and it is no longer appropriate to have people smoking at any hospital.
"This is part of a program that will see all WA public health facilities go smoke-free by January 2008.
"Making the Frankland Centre smoke-free will also ensure that Occupational Health and Safety standards are being observed, providing the 90 staff at the centre with a clean air working environment.
"The 30-bed centre treats an average of 300 patients each year.
"Introducing a smoke-free environment in a mental health facility such as this poses some unique challenges as a high proportion of people with mental illness smoke.
"Many of these people do so to help alleviate their symptoms of anxiety, often to the detriment of their physical health.
"To ensure a smooth transfer to being a smoke-free facility, staff at the centre have been working hard for many months to prepare patients and other staff members who smoke.
"Nicotine replacement therapy as well as ongoing education, training and support is being offered to staff and patients."
Despite the significant challenges, smoke-free policies have been implemented successfully in mental health facilities throughout the world.
Staff at the Frankland Centre have developed a close relationship with clinicians and staff in Canadian hospitals, who have successfully implemented a system-wide clean air environment.
The Minister said the staff at Frankland had done an excellent job in consulting with other staff, patients, carers and relevant community groups as they implemented the new smoking ban.
"They have ensured that all the appropriate support measures are in place so that staff and patients can make the change as easily as possible."
Mr McGinty congratulated Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, which will also go smoke-free today.
"It makes sense that we protect the health of all Western Australians by making our health system smoke-free," he said.
Minister's office - 9422 3000