BMA Scotland calls on Presiding Officer to make Scottish Parliament smoke free
In his letter, Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said:
"If Scotland's public places are to become smoke free in 2006, our parliamentarians and staff that are responsible for the day to day running of our Scottish Parliament should set a standard that the Scottish people can aspire to.
"Health professionals, while supporting a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places, also recognise that smoking is an addictive habit and that in order to break that habit, support is required. That is why we suggest that you convert the smoking room into a drop in smoking cessation support centre for those staff and MSPs who are attempting to quit, or even need support to get through the working day without a cigarette.
"We recognise that the remit of our legislation on smoking emphasises public place, and that effectively the smoking room is located within the private working area of the Scottish Parliament complex. However, I am sure you will recognise the potential health benefit to smokers and non smokers by creating a smoke free workplace for all those working in this landmark building."
Ends
Note to Editors:
More than 70% of smokers have stated that they would like to quit. Access to support increases the chance of success when trying to give up the habit.
In Scotland, the estimated annual cost of employee smoking is in the region of £450 million as a result of lost productivity, £40 million from higher rates of absenteeism among smokers and £4 million as a result of fire damage (Source: Parrot S, Godfrey C & Raw M Costs of employee smoking in the workplace in Scotland, Tobacco Control, Vol 9, No 2, pgs 187 ? 192, 2000)
For more information please contact:
Scottish Press Office
Tel: 0131 247 3050/3052 Mobile: 07979 510421
Fax: 0131 247 3051
Email: press.scotland@bma.org.uk
BMA Scottish Office
14 Queen Street
Edinburgh
EH2 1LL
Tel: (0131) 247 3000
Fax: (0131) 247 3001
email: info.edinburgh@bma.org.uk
Web: http://www.bma.org.uk/scotland
After 6.00 pm and weekends:
07979 510421
BMA Scoþia invitã preºedintele Officer pentru a face Parlamentul Scoþian fum liber - BMA Scotland calls on Presiding Officer to make Scottish Parliament smoke free - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate