smoking

[Guest guest]

I see in today's Observer, that the RCN are pressing for an official

policy that would prevent people from smoking at home, for at least an

hour before a nurse, midwife or health visitor visits them and during

the visit. The fact of people's homes also being the nurse's workplace

is cited. I am sure lots of colleagues would sympathise with the

unpleasantness of going into smoky homes, although that was far from the

most unpleasant environmental condition that I faced when in practice.

I was really shocked, though, at the shift in focus from the

professional being a guest in the person's home, to the idea that the

home was her workplace, so her rights had to be given priority over the

rights/choices of those living there. It seems a large step further

than, within the context of a good professional/client relationship,

asking the person if they would mind not smoking whilst the professional

is present, which I know some people do. Am I being squeamish?

At the very least, I think the timing of the announcement is

unfortunate, with the crucial vote against smoking in public places due

next week. This new proposal will give a tremendous boost to those who

complain of the 'health police' and support the argument that any

restriction on smoking is the 'thin end of the wedge' which will soon be

extended. If there are wavering MPs, they may be persuaded to vote

against the 'public places' ban, to avoid the potential of a ban to

smoking in the home.

what do others think?