Resources Library – Smoke-Free Environments – Hospitals
Smoke-Free Environments – Hospitals
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Smoke-free hospital properties reduce harm, promote healthy choices, and support a safe and healthy environment for everyone, including patients, staff, and visitors.
In 2016, New Brunswick’s regional health authorities (Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network) launched 100% smoke-free environment policies for their outdoor hospital and health centre grounds. A 100% smoke-free environment policy means there are no designated smoking areas on the premises, even outdoors. Vitalité and Horizon’s comprehensive 100% smoke-free environment policies include public education as well as many supports and resources for patients, staff and volunteers to respect the policy by managing their nicotine cravings while at work/while in hospital, or by being offered counselling and cessation aids to quit smoking altogether, by following the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation. Their smoke-free properties were later added as required designated smoke-free spaces under the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act.
Thanks to their leadership and vision, Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network have created a movement in New Brunswick, inspiring other institutions, workplaces, municipalities and towns to implement 100% smoke-free policies for outdoor spaces not already covered by the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act.
Learn more:
Legislation & Policies
As per the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act, smoking and vaping tobacco, cannabis and any other type of substance is now prohibited on the grounds of regional health authorities (hospitals, health clinics, etc.). See our Smoke-Free Environments page for the complete list of all designated smoke-free spaces required by law in New Brunswick.
Reporting Smoking and Vaping Violations
See our Smoke-Free Environments page.
Dangers of Exposure to Second and Third-Hand Smoke
See our Smoke-Free Environments page for information on the importance of smoke-free environments and the dangers of second and third-hand smoke.