Juan Ameen
Mater Dei will be completely smoke-free
Three smoking booths were set up on hospital grounds. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
Mater Dei Hospital will become completely smoke-free in three weeks’ time, forcing smokers to use three smoking booths set up in the extensive grounds.
This initiative, spearheaded by Health Minister Joe Cassar, will come into force through a legal notice making it illegal to smoke anywhere in the grounds – except for the designated booths. Even smoking in a car on hospital grounds will become illegal.
Dr Cassar announced the smoking ban yesterday to mark World Cancer Day.
“Smoking is one of the main causes of cancer which kills millions of people worldwide and this year we will be giving it extra focus,” he said.
In 2010, 26 per cent of male deaths and nine per cent of female deaths in Malta were caused by lung cancer – “a phenomenal” but extremely negative rate, Dr Cassar said.
People refused to kick the habit even though the government again increased the price of cigarettes, he added.
25%
The percentage of hospital employees who smoke
Passive smokers were also at great risk and the government wanted to convert the hospital into a smoke-free zone – just like other foreign hospitals.
Respiratory specialist Stephen Montfort, who chairs a health committee that oversaw the process, said passive smoking was affecting Maltese children who were suffering from allergies, including asthma.
A survey revealed that around 25 per cent of the 3,600 hospital employees were smokers, he said.
Out of the 55 per cent that replied to the survey, 10 per cent of smokers were doctors, 24 per cent were nurses and 31 per cent were hospital staff. These all said they smoked regularly while at Mater Dei Hospital, Prof. Montfort said.
Almost half, 43 per cent, said they found it difficult to stop but at least 75 per cent did not smoke when they felt unwell. Forty-six per cent said they wanted to kick the habit but only one-third had made an attempt to do so.
The initiative started four years ago with the setting up of a health committee which took on the transition process. To help patients and hospital staff kick the habit, cessation and psychotherapy classes are held regularly – even at hospital.
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aldo Attard
Feb 5th, 16:29
How ridiculous.
I do not smoke.
But others who smoke sensibly and without being of a nuisance to others should not be deprived of their not very healthy habit by not being allowed to smoke outdoors on the hospital grounds.
Shall we also legislate that all transport that pass from within or near the hospital grounds should switch off the engines??
How rediculaus.
Rebecca Ann Avril Schembri
Feb 5th, 19:36
May I ask why you don't smoke Mr.Attard? Cause if it's for your health then I don't find your comment very amusing!! Most smoker are not sensible to others!! I often find myself having to move cause other keep puffing smoke in my face!! I don't smoke and I do not tolerate others that not only harm themselves but also those around them!! This law should have been done from the beginning!! These laws are there to help smokers to stop such as the increase of cigarette prices!!
A Camilleri
Feb 6th, 14:15
@ Rebecca Ann double barrel whatever,
You wrote in a previous article on this subject and I quote
'Rebecca Ann Avril Schembri
Yesterday, 19:22
For all those who oppose this I'm afraid you're all very selfish! Harm yourselves but don't harm others with your smoking!!! It is necessary for smoking to be banned near the hospital and after all this is a way for all smokers to consider quitting as is the increase in cigarette prices!! And doctors smoking?! it's unthinkable!!!
I agree full on with this law!! Altough this should have been done in the beginning, when the hospital was opened!!'
My response was....and still is
'Get off your soapbox Rebecca. Do you know how ridiculous you sound? Doctors have as much right as anyone to smoke if they want to. They are not Gods (even if some of them think they are). They have weknesses like all of us. What's yours? Anti depressants, tranquilizers, GIN. We all have them but we don't all pretend to be so bloody perfect like you! Are you one of those people that go to church every day or week without fail, and stand in the doorway with other nosey old biddies after the service stabbing your neighbours in the back? I have heard and seen such behaviour so many times. It's disgraceful.
I will also like to add that I and many other smokers are NOT at all selfish. How dare you lump people together that way!! I have spent my life in the caring profession looking after aothers on a paid and a voluntary basis. I do however think Mrs double barrel whatsit......that you are very pious and nosey!
Alfred Grech
Feb 5th, 12:47
A suggestion to the minister - please check the wind direction because smoke in some designated spots might be blown towards the hospital and annoy those with a fragile nose.
I do not respect such laws which are oppressive and created because a few noisy protesters keep harping about it. A stupid law added to the list of other stupid laws.
Victor Vella
Feb 5th, 11:15
In a few days time the PN will tell us that those who want to park their cars can do so for FREE. At least for this year. Next year is another story.