The Mayor, Alderman Hilary McClintock pictured during an event to mark 10 years since the introduction of the Smoking Ban. Included are, Mary McLaughlin, Human Resources with DCSDC, Heather Hamilton, Environmental Health, Michelle Scott, Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator WHSCT, Alan Haire, Caroline Ogilvie and Conor Logue, DCSDC.
DERRY City and Strabane District Council are this week celebrating the ten year anniversary of N. Ireland officially becoming ‘smoke free’.
On Monday April 30th 2007 legislation came into effect to ensure that all enclosed work spaces, including vehicles, would become smoke free, thus reducing the health impacts of smoking, particularly passive smoking.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, today welcomed the anniversary and acknowledged the huge impact the law has had on the health of people across the region.
“I think we can all agree that this change in law has been to the benefit of everyone in improving the work environments and travel conditions for people of all ages.
“In fact it is hard to believe that conditions were so different 10 years ago when it was acceptable for people to smoke in workplaces, cinemas, and even hospitals. I think the move has acted as a major catalyst in raising awareness about the dangers of smoking, particularly to children.
“This changing mindset will continue if we continue to drive home the message that second hand smoke is dangerous and no one should be subjected to it against their wishes.”
Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death and has been identified as a major risk factor for cancers, coronary heart disease, strokes and other diseases of the circulatory system.
More than 2,300 people die in NI each year from smoking related illnesses – this equates incredibly to more than six people a day and 44 individuals every week.
Tobacco Control officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Conor Logue, said Council would continue to support the campaign to raise awareness about the health risks associated with smoking.
“The law has been widely supported by local businesses and the public since it was introduced ten years ago, and it’s recognised that the benefits to health have been significant.
“There has been a substantial reduction in second hand smoke exposure in Northern Ireland since the introduction of the legislation in 2007, and social norms and knowledge about second hand smoke are changing.
“However we want to emphasise that thousands of adults and children continue to be exposed to second hand smoke in homes and vehicles, meaning that passive smoking remains a substantial cause of mortality and ill health.
“We want people to heed the warnings and change their habits at home, and ensure that younger people avoid taking up what often becomes a lifelong and life threatening habit.”
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) became the first smoke free Trust in Northern Ireland, launching its Smokefree policy in March 2014. This means that staff, patients and visitors are not permitted to smoke anywhere on Trust premises.
Dr Maura O’Neill, Head of Service and Chair of the Smokefree Committee, Western Trust, said: “Being smoke free reinforces the Trust’s position as a health promoting organisation with a responsibility for the health of its patients, staff and visitors.
“A smoke free Trust means cleaner and more pleasant environments and also offers real improvements to the health of those smokers who decide to ‘kick the habit’ for good. Help and support from the Western Trust’s Stop Smoking Team is available for staff, patients, visitors and the local community.”
The Western Trust offers a range of services to smokers who want to find out more about stopping smoking.
These include community Drop In clinics across the Trust area staffed by specialist nurses who can provide help and advice around nicotine replacement products as well as ongoing support to those who want to quit.
To speak to one our healthcare professionals or the Stop Smoking Team, call the Trust’s helpline on 08009179388.
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