Four or five times a day Elizabeth Meekin-Moxham likes to indulge in one of the few pleasures that she says life has to offer her, a cigarette.
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An aged care resident at Blayney Health Service, Mrs Meekin-Moxham says that she's just one of a few residents and visitors to the centre who find that having to brace the freezing cold conditions just isn't acceptable.
"It's not just about me," she said.
"There are lots of people of all ages that come out here from either visiting friends or family, or going to the doctor, and just want something like a bus shelter with an ash tray in it to use.
There's no shelter even outside the doctors for people to stand under if they're waiting for a taxi or a lift from a friend.
- Elizabeth Meekin-Moxham
"You see a lot of elderly people out here leaning against the tree trying to find some protection from the weather."
Mrs Meekin-Moxham acknowledges that smoking isn't allowed on hospital grounds but believes that it's her right to be able to smoke out on the nature strip.
"When we're out here on the nature strip they (Blayney Health Service) aren't responsible for us," she said.
Mrs Meekin-Moxham said that even for non-smokers the lack of shelter outside the hospital was inadequate.
"There's no shelter even outside the doctors for people to stand under if they're waiting for a taxi or a lift from a friend," she said.
A spokesperson for WNSWLHD said that the NSW Health Smoke-free Health Care Policy means that all NSW Health buildings and grounds are smoke-free, however, local health districts can implement a by-law to designate outdoor smoking areas on site if they choose.
"The Western NSW Local Health District has not designated any outdoor smoking areas on site," she said.
"The aim of the NSW Health Smoke-free Health Care Policy is to reduce the risks to health associated with tobacco use by patients, staff and visitors to NSW Health facilities and reduce the community's exposure to second-hand smoke.
WNSWLHD inpatients who smoke are supported to manage their nicotine dependence while in hospital.
- WNSWLHD spokesperson.
"Residents and visitors are advised that Blayney is a smoke free campus and people who choose to continue smoking will have to do so off campus.
"WNSWLHD inpatients who smoke are supported to manage their nicotine dependence while in hospital by using nicotine replacement therapy, receiving advice on how to quit, and referral to the Quitline."
Blayney Shire Council General Manager Rebecca Ryan referred to the Smoke Free Environment Act 2000 where smoking is already banned in enclosed areas of public places in NSW.
"The law extends the smoking ban to cover the area within 4 metres of a pedestrian entrance to or exit from a public building," a statement read.
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