Pathway to Mater's smoke-free future

In an effort to ensure the healthiest possible environment for our staff, patients and visitors, Mater Health Services will implement a new initiative which aims to make our South Brisbane and Redland campuses "smoke-free" by 1 January 2007.

As more and more legal restrictions are being introduced on smoking in public places, Mater has decided to take a proactive approach to phasing out smoking on its campus.

To ensure smokers time to adapt to the change, a multi-step approach to our smoke free future has been developed, spanning almost two years. A range of support will be available to help staff and patients who wish to quit smoking.

Designated smoking areas for patients and allowances for palliative care, haematology and oncology patients have been incorporated during this transition period in all of our hospitals.

Smoke-Free Campus Timeline

1 Jan 2005

A Queensland-wide ban on smoking within four metres of entrance to any building and within 10 metres of children's playground equipment was introduced. An amnesty was in place on fines until March 1 2005.

Members of the public will be able to report violations on a free hotline established by Queensland Health. In addition to disciplinary action that may be taken by Mater, Queensland Health Environmental Officers may choose to visit the Mater campus in response to a hotline complaint and will administer fines to any person found violating the new regulations after 1 March 2005.

1 March 2005

The Queensland Health amnesty period for breaching new smoking legislation ended and those in breach of legislation from this date on may be fined or subject to disciplinary action.

1 March 2005

A range of low cost or free assistance options for staff wishing to quit or reduce smoking became available through the Staff Health and Wellbeing Unit (SHAW Unit).

1 July 2005

From this date, smoking will only be permitted in designated smoking areas that are set aside for patients and staff at Mater Health Services including Mater Private Hospital Redland. These will be the only areas on Mater campus where smoking will be permitted, by staff, patients or visitors, after 1 July.

1 January 2007

Mater will become a totally smoke-free campus (excepting palliative care and haematology/oncology patients). Smoking will not be permitted anywhere on Mater campuses.

For further information on any of the above options, please contact the SHAW Unit on +61 7 3163 8190.