HSN trying to help smokers butt out

Starre Lamarche had been a smoker for 36 years when she was admitted to Health Sciences North Dec. 24, 2012 for breathing complications.

She was immediately given a nicotine-replacement patch to battle withdrawal symptoms. Since her discharge from hospital, Lamarche has remained smoke-free.

Lamarche credits the care team in HSN’s Emergency Department and on the 6th floor of the Lougheed Tower for helping her quit smoking.

“They got me through the biggest part of the withdrawal, and I thank them for this,” said Lamarche.

“Nurses in the emergency room and on the floor were amazing. As I was in bed listening to what was going on around me, I could not get over the compassion and care the nurses gave the patients on the floor. This program has saved my life.”

Taking effect this month, all patients admitted to the hospital will be asked if they smoke. If so, they will be offered nicotine replacement therapy during their stay in hospital. This is part of Health Sciences North's strategy to become a completely smoke-free institution.

“HSN is committed to the health and safety of our employees, patients, physicians, volunteers, and visitors,” said Mark Hartman, vice-president of Cancer Services and Medical Imaging.

“Our tobacco-free initiatives have the potential to improve the health of thousands, and we are happy to continue offering tobacco cessation support to our patients.”

“It is rewarding to know that the Nicotine Replacement program that we have in place for our patients has motivated Mrs. Lamarche and gave her the skills and confidence necessary to achieve a smoke-free life,” said Claire Gignac, HSN’s tobacco control cessation nurse.

“We are committed to making patient care better every day during their stay.”

Gignac is one of only three Canadians who have obtained a Master Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS-M) certificate through the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

For information on how you can quit, visit www.hsnsudbury.ca.Starre Lamarche had been a smoker for 36 years when she was admitted to Health Sciences North Dec. 24, 2012 for breathing complications.

She was immediately given a nicotine-replacement patch to battle withdrawal symptoms. Since her discharge from hospital, Lamarche has remained smoke-free.

Lamarche credits the care team in HSN’s Emergency Department and on the 6th floor of the Lougheed Tower for helping her quit smoking.

“They got me through the biggest part of the withdrawal, and I thank them for this,” said Lamarche.

“Nurses in the emergency room and on the floor were amazing. As I was in bed listening to what was going on around me, I could not get over the compassion and care the nurses gave the patients on the floor. This program has saved my life.”

Taking effect this month, all patients admitted to the hospital will be asked if they smoke. If so, they will be offered nicotine replacement therapy during their stay in hospital. This is part of Health Sciences North's strategy to become a completely smoke-free institution.

“HSN is committed to the health and safety of our employees, patients, physicians, volunteers, and visitors,” said Mark Hartman, vice-president of Cancer Services and Medical Imaging.

“Our tobacco-free initiatives have the potential to improve the health of thousands, and we are happy to continue offering tobacco cessation support to our patients.”

“It is rewarding to know that the Nicotine Replacement program that we have in place for our patients has motivated Mrs. Lamarche and gave her the skills and confidence necessary to achieve a smoke-free life,” said Claire Gignac, HSN’s tobacco control cessation nurse.

“We are committed to making patient care better every day during their stay.”

Gignac is one of only three Canadians who have obtained a Master Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS-M) certificate through the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

For information on how you can quit, visit www.hsnsudbury.ca.