Petition against compulsory cessation of smoking for patients confined involuntarily in psychiatric wards and services in Victoria
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We believe that total bans on smoking in psychiatric wards and rehabilitation units, (even in a supervised area which is safe and free from secondary passive smoke inhalation) are unjust, discriminatory and inappropriate.
We understand that smoking is unhealthy, and many of us who smoke have tried to give up and may try again when the time is right for us.
However we believe that during an active psychiatric illness is NOT the right time, as it may lead to further distress and agitation. It may also discourage people from seeking help from a psychiatric service if they know the price having to stop smoking, leading to increased illness.
We believe that while tobacco is legal, consumers of mental health services should have the same right to smoke in the place of their residence as other Australians, even Australians in prison.
Many consumers are required against their will to stay in psychiatric wards and units, unlike patients in non-psychiatric wards, sometimes for months and years, and many of these consumers are not allowed to leave the ward freely, meaning that consumers cannot smoke at home or anywhere.
Being forced to stop smoking against your will is cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment in our opinion, for people already under stress, as well as being ineffective in encouraging permanent quitting. Many well staff and managers find stopping smoking too difficult.
We ask for immediate application of the exemptions available under the law for psychiatric inpatient and rehabilitation services, to allow smoking in a safe environment which protects the health of non-smokers; so that consumers of psychiatric services can have the same rights as other Australians.
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Goal
150 signatures
Goal: 1,000
Latest Signatures
149.
Christine D
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Smoking and mental illness is a form of dual diagnosis and both need to be treated concurrently
(Optional) Are you a smoker currently
No
(Optional) Are you a consumer, mentaL health worker, carer, member of the public
Mental Health Worker and reformed smo
146.
Christopher F
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В
(Optional) Are you a smoker currently
No
(Optional) Are you a consumer, mentaL health worker, carer, member of the public
Member of the public
145.
Sylvie L
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Victorian Government is uninformed and more concerned with risk management than social justice
(Optional) Are you a smoker currently
No
(Optional) Are you a consumer, mentaL health worker, carer, member of the public
Friend of consumers
143.
Paul H
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from personal experience this is not a good time to be trying to give up smoking. Why is it a problem to smoke in a seperate area of a courtyard.
(Optional) Are you a smoker currently
No
(Optional) Are you a consumer, mentaL health worker, carer, member o
140.
Nicole H
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В
(Optional) Are you a smoker currently
No
(Optional) Are you a consumer, mentaL health worker, carer, member of the public
В
139.
Breanna M
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i feel that we all need outlets in which helps us to calm down and relax if we want to smoke to chill out our minds then let us smoke!!!!
(Optional) Are you a smoker currently
No
(Optional) Are you a consumer, mentaL health worker, carer, member of the pu
137.
David H
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В
(Optional) Are you a smoker currently
No
(Optional) Are you a consumer, mentaL health worker, carer, member of the public
В
136.
Emily Hess
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This is about choice for people who have very few choices at this time in their lives. Asking someone to obstain from smoking when they are already under enourmous stress is unjust when smoking is legal.
(Optional) Are you a smoker currently
No
(Optional)
130.
Sharon C
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Taking away more liberties from people confidened to a psyche ward is criminal
(Optional) Are you a smoker currently
No
(Optional) Are you a consumer, mentaL health worker, carer, member of the public
Yes
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