CAMH's Smoke-free Policy. What clients need to know.

Breakthrough

Fall 2005

As of Wednesday, September 21, 2005, CAMH has a new policy: smoking will not be allowed in any buildings at CAMH.

We are not trying to force you to quit smoking. But there are no more smoking rooms at CAMH. We want to make sure that people who work, visit or receive services at CAMH are not harmed by second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke from cigarettes can cause many major diseases - even for people who don't smoke.

Many other hospitals and treatment centres in Ontario have already gone smoke-free.

We know this new smoke-free policy is a big change for a lot of people, and we thank you for your support.

Smoking is not allowed:

• in any of the buildings at CAMH
• in any of the courtyard areas at CAMH, with the exception of the secure yard on Unit 3
• within nine metres of any CAMH door or window area
• in designated smoke-free entrances.

These smoke-free entrances include the following areas, which are  clearly marked:

• Russell Street site: At the main entrance (33 Russell Street), smoking is not allowed on the patio or stairs. Smoking may begin on the sidewalk at the bottom of the stairs.
• College Street site: At the main entrance (250 College Street), smoking is not allowed on the walkway and the area covered  with patio stones.
• Queen Street site: At the main entrance (1001 Queen Street West), smoking is not allowed outside of the administration building, including the area covered in patio stones to the west of the doorway.
• Brentcliffe Road site: At the main entrance door (175 Brentcliffe Road), smoking is not allowed anywhere on the entire walkway/bridge leading to the main entrance. Smoking can begin at the sidewalk area.

You may still smoke in certain places on the grounds around the CAMH buildings. There are signs up that tell you where you cannot smoke.

As an inpatient, you may not be able to get outside to have a cigarette as often as you wish. We are here to help you as much as we can. All clients can be given free nicotine patches, nicotine gum or nicotine inhalers.

These medications are safe.  They will help keep you comfortable and help you avoid nicotine withdrawal.

If you have any questions about these medications or want to use them while you are at CAMH, talk to your nurse or doctor.

Staff can also talk to you about other supports, such as counselling,  to help you deal with not smoking  as much as you normally would.

After you are discharged and become an outpatient you can continue to use the nicotine replacement medications. They will no longer be free, but we do offer them at a reduced cost. Contact the Nicotine Dependence Clinic at 416 535-8501 ext. 6662 for more information.

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, contact  the smoke-free committee at smoke_free@camh.net or call  416 535-8501 ext. 2222.

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