Plan to phase out smoking in psychiatric hospitals

THE GOVERNMENT intends to phase out smoking in psychiatric hospitals under new "best practice" guidelines for the sector supported by the Minister of State for mental health. JOHN DOWNES reports

While these institutions are currently exempt from a ban on smoking in the workplace, it is understood that consideration will be given to removing this exemption should this prove necessary.

The revelation of the plan to phase out smoking in psychiatric hospitals comes as recent industrial action by over 8,000 psychiatric nurses seems set to escalate in the coming days.

They are protesting over a new compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses who are assaulted at work, and which the Psychiatric Nurses' Association believes is inadequate.

The decision to exclude psychiatric hospitals from the smoking ban was taken amid concerns among mental health professionals about the possible security implications should residential patients be refused cigarettes.

The exemption was intended to cover very disturbed clients who required constant observation, with the result that their own safety and that of staff members might be put at risk if they had to go outside to smoke.

Launching the new guidelines in Dublin, Minister of State Dr Jimmy Devins acknowledged that there was often apprehension among mental health providers that introducing policies or initiatives to combat tobacco use "would be unworkable and could lead to discipline problems".

"However, it should be noted that an exemption does not constitute a right to smoke, and employers are still bound by a duty of care to protect their employees."

Dr Devins claimed that studies carried out in the US - where a number of psychiatric hospitals are "smoke-free" - found that smoke-free policies resulted in "significantly fewer adverse effects than staff had anticipated".

"They also noted that a cleaner and healthier environment, increased patient interaction and more time spent on different activities.

"Six months after implementation of the policy the majority of staff reported that the psychiatric units should remain smoke-free."

According to the new guidelines, which are entitled "Best Practice Guidelines for Tobacco Management in Mental Health Settings", all new facilities must consider adopting a totally smoke-free policy from the outset.

All existing facilities should work towards a totally smoke-free status within a stated timeframe.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times