Court of Appeal upholds Waitemata DHB smoking ban

11 May 2016

Court of Appeal upholds Waitemata DHB smoking ban

Waitemata District Health Board (DHB) is pleased to announce that the Court of Appeal issued its decision this morning upholding the legality of Waitemata DHB’s Smokefree Policy. The appeal failed on all grounds.

The Court of Appeal decision found the policy was legal, and did not discriminate against psychiatric patients, nor is the policy a breach of the rights and freedoms set out in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act.

Waitemata DHB Chief Executive Dr Dale Bramley says smoking is a leading cause of avoidable death and disease in our communities with around 5000 New Zealanders dying each year because of smoking or second-hand smoke exposure.

“As a major healthcare provider, Waitemata DHB has a significant role in promoting and supporting better health outcomes for our patients and the community.”

“The DHB’s Smokefree Policy is crucial to promoting smoking cessation.”

“The healthcare sector must lead by example and this decision allows Waitemata DHB to continue doing so in the best interests of our patients and our community,” says Dr Bramley.

ENDS

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