Psychiatric unit smokefree policy linked to violence

Mentally ill patients forced to quit smoking at one of the largest mental health facilities in the country are more likely to become violent, says a former mental health worker.

Paula Jessep, Waikato District Health Board's senior consumer adviser at the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre from mid-2003 to late 2005 said she believed the centre's new smokefree policy would lead to increased aggression among acutely ill patients, more unexplained absences, and fewer smokers in the community seeking help.

Ms Jessep, herself a smoker, has also experienced mental illness. "I don't support smoking but when I'm sick I smoke like a train," she said.

The smokefree policy, which bans patients and staff from smoking inside and outside the centre, was announced last week and took effect from Tuesday.

"There's going to be an increase in aggression, violence and Awols. Watch this space because I think there's going to be an increase in assaults."

Mental illness sufferers she had spoken to said they would sooner go to Waikeria Prison or not tell their mental health worker how sick they were to avoid being admitted somewhere they couldn't smoke. Ms Jessep also queried the level of consultation over the ban.

Waikato District Health Board Mental Health and Addiction Services group manager Jeff Bennett said it was important to note the centre was not nicotine free. Support for smokers included advice about how to cope without cigarettes, nicotine patches, chewing gum, lozenges, nicotine-filled inhalers, or referral to support agencies such as Quitline.

"To do nothing would be a greater travesty than to address the issue of nicotine addiction among mental health service users and stigmatise this group of individuals further," Mr Bennett said.

He defended the consultation method saying GPs, primary health, and community organisations were sent letters outlining the initiative on March 13.

- © Fairfax NZ News