No butts about it – the Eye and Ear goes smoke free

1 June 2009

To mark World No Tobacco Day, from 31 May, the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital will go totally smoke free.

As with other many other hospitals in Melbourne, no smoking will be permitted in the buildings or within the boundaries of the hospital including doorways, balconies, footpaths and passageways.

Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital CEO Ann Clark said the Eye and Ear is committed to providing a safe, healthy environment for patients, visitors, volunteers and staff.

“This includes protecting people from the harmful effects of second hand smoke and the dangers it can have on eye and ear, nose and throat (ENT) health.”

As a leading specialist health facility, the Eye and Ear is dedicated to helping people maintain independence through the prevention and treatment of vision loss and ENT conditions.

Retinal specialist Professor Robyn Guymer said research shows smoking is the most preventable risk factor of macular degeneration – the leading cause of vision impairment in Australia.

“Chemicals from cigarette smoke may cause an inflammatory response in the retina which leads to tiny blood vessels to bursting through the macular – the most sensitive part of the retina, which leads to vision loss.”

“Macular degeneration costs Australia $2.6 billion a year and this will grow to $6.5 billion in 2025 and which is something we would like to prevent.”

ENT specialist Professor Stephen O’Leary said smoking is the major cause of cancers of the mouth, throat and oesophagus.

“Smoking is also a major irritant for upper airways and passive smoking has been shown to lead to an increased risk in otitis media (middle ear infection) in children.”

The hospital will support staff and patients who are want to give up smoking and information sessions by Quit Victoria are currently being offered.

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