St Leonards man campaigns for smoke-free zones surrounding hospital

A regular visitor to Geelong hospital is on a mission to stamp out smoking he says is out of control in high-traffic areas of the health precinct. TAKE OUR POLL

A St Leonards man is on a crusade to stamp out smoking around Geelong hospital.

David Jackson, 48, had been concerned about smoking in the area long before he was hospitalised two years ago after a routine chest x-ray.

He was diagnosed with genetic disorder hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is managed through medication and monitoring at a cardiology practice at the hospital.

Mr Jackson said he was shocked to see staff and patients smoking near the hospital, and alleged they were ignoring signage saying not to.

David Jackson is campaigning for the areas around Geelong hospital to become smoke free zones. Picture: Mike Dugdale

His concerns include the harmful impact of passive smoking and environmental consequences like littered cigarette butts.

It seemed counter productive for people who visited a health service for assistance to then encounter second hand smoke, he said.

Barwon Health said smoking and vaping was banned on its property and within four metres of entrances, and beyond these restrictions, it relied on council to enforce smoking rules in public areas.

Medicine and emergency clinical director Andrew Hughes said the organisation

would welcome any further measures from the council to discourage smoking near the hospital, including additional signage.

“We encourage staff to use discretion and contact security if people are seen smoking in the banned areas,” he said.

Mr Jackson said he had been handballed between Barwon Health and council, and

had started a petition he plans to put to the City of Greater Geelong.

He is proposing council declare and enforce smoke free areas on all footpaths around Barwon Health property.

Smoking outside Geelong hospital. Picture: Mike Dugdale

He is also seeking for this to be enforced through CCTV cameras and penalties, and new signage to promote the policy if successful.

City of Greater Geelong director of city services Guy Wilson-Browne said implementation of smoke and vape free areas may be considered as part of the review of local laws in 2023.

“Any proposed changes to the city’s local laws to improve community health and wellbeing would require consultation with the community, stakeholders, and a decision from council,” he said.

Associate Professor Hughes said Mr Jackson had contacted Barwon Health several times and it appreciated his efforts to help address this health issue.

“Barwon Health is a smoke-free workplace and our organisation has worked hard to both encourage and support quitting, via our Be Smoke Free campaign and promotions from a tobacco-free committee,” he said.

Originally published as St Leonards man campaigns for smoke-free zones surrounding hospital