Hamilton Public Health resumes Tobacco Enforcement Program
Hamilton Public Health has resumed their usual operations and have restarted the tobacco enforcement program.
Tobacco Enforcement Officers will be conducting random inspections on hospital campuses to ensure compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA). The Officers will be providing awareness and education, and may issue a ticket (fine) to those who are not in compliance with the law.
St. Joe’s is committed to providing an inviting, hazard-free environment for those who work, visit and receive care at our campuses. We would like to remind all staff, physicians, learners and volunteers of our Smoke-Free Policy and ask that you help to support the efforts of the hospital in maintaining a smoke-free environment at all St. Joe’s sites.
St. Joe’s promotes a smoke-free environment and prohibits the use of tobacco, electronic cigarettes and cannabis (medical and non-medical) products on all Campuses and hospital-owned properties, including vehicles. This policy applies to all persons on hospital property including staff, physicians, students, volunteers, patients and visitors.
Please respect our shared environment and support compliance with our smoke-free efforts by helping ensure that you, your colleagues and your patients are abiding by SJHH smoking policies.
How can you help St. Joe’s maintain a smoke-free environment?
- Smoking, Vaping and Electronic cigarettes are not allowed to be consumed/used while on hospital property. The hospital property extends all the way to the City-owned sidewalk.
- Please lead by example: Wait until you are completely off the hospital property before lighting your cigarette, etc. and ensure you have extinguished it before re-entering the grounds.
- Help educate others who are smoking/vaping on hospital property about the Smoke-Free Policy and encourage them to move to the sidewalk or another area off the grounds.
- If you witness someone in violation of the SFOA on hospital property please call Security Services at the respective campus to report it, a Security Professional will respond to investigate.
- If you would like to be connected with resources to help you quit smoking, contact one of the following:
- City of Hamilton’s Tobacco Hotline at 905-540-5566 or www.hamilton.ca/quitsmoking
- Smoke Free Ontario Act link https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/17s26
Thank you for your support as we strive to provide a healthy, smoke-free hospital environment to ensure that those who work, visit or receive care are not exposed to the health risks associated with second-hand smoke.