'Smoke-free policy is not to stigmatise smokers'

A smoke-free policy at DHSC sites from later this year is not intended to stigmatise smokers.

That's according to Health and Social Care Minister, David Ashford MHK, as certain DHSC facilities across the Island as well as GP practices will make their grounds no smoking zones from April 1.

From that day, the policy will mean smoking is banned from hospital sites, healthcare facilities on Westmoreland Road in Douglas and the DHSC headquarters at Crookall House.

Vaping will only be allowed in certain restricted areas.

The new rules come in on the same day the new 'Manx Care' system is due to go live and are also aiming to promote healthy and safe environments for all and prevent avoidable smoking-related ill-health by encouraging people to quit the habit.

Mr Ashford says: "We have no desire to stigmatise smokers. The policy has been designed to create smoke free spaces and encourage a future smoke free generation. 

"We want our children to grow up in a world where it is not normal to start smoking and so DHSC and Manx Care are proud to be smoke free."

Meanwhile, on October 1 this year all other DHSC premises will bring in the new rules if they haven't already, with the exception of residential facilities, including Reayrt-ny-Baie, Southlands and Cummal Mooar.

April 1, 2022, will see the remaining residential premises become completely smoke free, including nursing and care homes and supported living facilities.

Officials are also continuing to encourage anyone wanting to quit smoking to get in touch with the Quit4You service by e-mailing quit4you@gov.im or calling 642 404.