14 Jul 2011

DHB against hiring people who smoke

4:09 pm on 14 July 2011

Auckland District Health Board is considering refusing to hire smokers.

The board, which has more than 10,000 employees, has instructed management to draw up a proposal exploring the option.

Executive director of nursing Taima Campbell told Nine to Noon that the overriding concern is patients and their visitors and it is important to have staff who can role-model good health.

Ms Campbell said that as a healthcare organisation the board has a part to play in promoting smoke-free environments and in providing staff who can support people with nicotine addiction or dependence.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation says refusing to hire smokers would be discriminatory but Ms Campbell said the board has been advised that smoking is not covered by the Human Rights Act.

Meanwhile, a policy to consider banning smoking on the streets of Auckland has been rejected by the council on Thursday.