Tobacco Free Futures General Staff Orientation to Tobacco and Smoke Free Environments Policy

Content 1.Overview of AHS’s Tobacco and Smoke Free Environments Policy. 2.Cessation and withdrawal support available for patients/clients. 3.Cessation and withdrawal support available for staff.

3 AHS Tobacco and Smoke Free Environments Policy AHS is committed to promoting a tobacco and smoke free environment at all sites Including properties that are AHS: Owned/operated Leased Funded services (50% AHS funded) Effective April 1, 2011

4 Policy Purpose To prevent patient, visitor and staff exposure to second hand smoke. To ensure support is available for patients and staff who use tobacco products.

5 Policy Scope Applies to AHS employees; members of the medical, dental, podiatry and midwifery staffs; students; volunteers; and other persons acting on behalf of AHS patients/clients general public

6 Policy Scope Property includes: buildings vehicles grounds (up to public sidewalks and roads) parking lots (including vehicles parked in lots)

7 Ceremonial Use of Tobacco Traditional aboriginal spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies may only be permitted in designated Spaces as determined by the Site Manager.

8 Use of Tobacco Like Products Use of electronic smoking products (e-cigarettes) is not permitted indoors at AHS sites. Outdoor use of these products is under review. Smoking of medical marijuana is not permitted on AHS property.

9 Shared Responsibility AHS employees have a shared responsibility to ensure AHS becomes & remains a tobacco and smoke free environment. AHS Protective Services assists with enforcement of policy. Staff are not to facilitate patient use of any tobacco products.

10 Compliance focus on education and redirection any person who continues to use tobacco at the site may be subject to penalty including: –a fine under the Tobacco Reduction Act if smoking within 5 metres of an entrance or air intake –progressive discipline procedure for staff

Support for Patients/Clients

12 All patient’s/clients will be supported by their health care providers through the 5A’s model

13 Arrange AlbertaQuits is free, convenient, personalized support. CALL toll-free for information, counseling and referral, 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. CLICK to quit with powerful tools, advice and 24/7 support. JOIN a group support program led by a trained counsellor.

Cessation and withdrawal support for staff

15 Support for staff Staff have access to extra cessation services in addition to the services available to all Albertans. Depending on your benefit plan, services related to smoking cessation (e.g., support programs) may be an eligible expense. Coverage should be confirmed before expenses are incurred. For more information visit Insite

16 Cessation Medications Medication can be used to support long term cessation or in the short term to manage nicotine cravings when at work. Options for reimbursement: Employee with health benefits – coverage of cessation medications. Employees & physicians without health benefits – AHS is offering 80% coverage (up to $3,000), for the purchase of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Products. Details and claim form available on Insite

17 Counselling Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides telephone and online cessation counseling or AlbertaQuits has free, convenient, personalized support available by phone, online or through groups. Visit or call QUIT (7848). Primary Care Networks Family Physician Community Pharmacist

18 Tobacco use is not a ‘bad habit’ or ‘lifestyle choice’, it is a chronic relapsing condition. There is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke. AHS recognizes that patients and staff who use tobacco may need support to deal with nicotine withdrawal when on AHS property.

19 For more information AHS Tobacco and Smoke-free Environments Policy (FM-03) available on Insite Visit the website for more information, training and supportswww.albertaquits.ca