News & media
Proud to be Smoke-Free!
Posted on 03 Mar 2011 - Permalink
On 21 February, 2011, EACH Social and Community Health's Patterson Street site in East Ringwood publicly launched its status as a totally smoke-free site.
This means that smoking is banned completely from all indoor and outdoor areas, including carparks at Maroondah Social and Community Health Centre located at 75 Patterson Street, East Ringwood. There are no areas designated for smoking.
"As a local community provider of Primary Health Care Services with a focus on health promotion, we have a responsibility and a key obligation to promote healthy environments for our staff and those who come to our service," said General Manager of Primary Health Care services, Ms Jackie Kelly.
Smoking presents significant health risks to smokers and non-smokers alike. Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as passive smoking) is a recognised cancer-causing agent, which means that there is no safe level of exposure. It can cause diseases and conditions in people, such as heart disease, lung cancer and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.
Through the introduction of the smoke-free policy, the potential health risks to staff, clients and visitors to the Patterson Street site that are associated with smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke will be significantly reduced. At the same time it is important that we ensure support is offered to smokers who express a desire to cease smoking.
EACH understands that people have difficulties when quitting smoking. To make it easier to give up smoking, EACH offers one-to-one Smoking Cession Clinic appointments by trained staff and Health Coaching appointments.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Intake on 9837 3999 or contact Quitline on 137 848.