Resource
Smoke and vapour-free environments
Protecting people from exposure to second-hand smoke lowers the risk of many serious health issues. People who are pregnant, babies, and children have a higher risk of health problems from second-hand smoke. Second-hand vapour (aerosol) is not harmless; it contains nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is smoke and vapour-free
VCH is responsible for and committed to providing a safe, healthy, and clean environment for patients, staff, and the public. VCH’s Smoke and Vapour Free Premises Policy means that all VCH-owned, operated, contracted, or funded facilities and grounds are smoke and vapour-free. The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe environment, free from the harms of second-hand smoke, for everyone.
Patients
Patients who smoke or vape, may experience nicotine withdrawal while they are in hospital. Staff can provide medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms. Please speak with your healthcare provider for support during your stay.
If you are an Indigenous patient or family member and would like to use traditional medicines such as tobacco, sage, cedar or sweet grass, please connect with an Indigenous Patient Navigator.
Families and visitors
We ask that you help us provide a safe environment, free from the harms of second-hand smoke, for everyone. Please do not smoke or vape while on VCH property.
Staff
Staff members who are interested in managing nicotine withdrawal at work or quitting can visit the tobacco and vapour cessation page (network access required) on the internal website for support and resources.
Resources
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The harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke and vapour
Learn about the health risks of second-hand smoke from HealthLinkBC.
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No smoking signage
You can download free no smoking signage created by the BC Lung Association, including general signage, regional signage, and school signage.
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Smoke-free Housing BC
Explore tools and resources to help address exposure to second-hand smoke for residents, property owners, and strata corporations from Smoke-Free Housing BC.
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WorkSafeBC
Learn about the hazards and exposure risks from smoking-related toxins in the workplace from WorkSafe BC.
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Smoking-related toxins
Learn about the hazards and exposure risks from smoking-related toxins in the workplace from WorkSafe BC.
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Contact us
Email: smokefree@vch.ca
Phone: (604) 675-3800
Related content
Visit VCH Tobacco & vapour control main page
Visit VCH Tobacco & vapour reduction service page
