Hospitals support “Stoptober” for National Anaesthesia Day

PRESS RELEASE

16 October 2014

Hospitals support “Stoptober” for National Anaesthesia Day

National Anaesthesia Day is an opportunity for patients to consider the health benefits of stopping smoking for a short time, or permanently, when they are having surgery, says the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists.

National Anaesthesia Day is today, the anniversary day of when ether anaesthetic was first demonstrated publicly in Boston in 1846.

The New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists supports this initiative by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to raise awareness about anaesthesia. Hospital anaesthesia departments are taking part through displays of promotional material and demonstrations.

“We support this year’s theme on the benefits of stopping smoking before anaesthesia and surgery, which include a reduced risk of surgical complications. Every day a smoker stops can make a difference for a better surgical and health outcome for them,” says New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists President, Dr Ted Hughes.

In New Zealand the smoking status of all patients admitted to hospital is recorded and reported. “We commend hospitals who get behind the day to promote the benefits of ceasing smoking,” Dr Hughes said.

National Anaesthesia Day ties in with the ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) “Stoptober” campaign which is encouraging people to stop smoking.

“Our doctors support any initiatives that encourage smokers to quit, including the government’s Smokefree 2025 goal to reducing smoking prevalence to below 5% in New Zealand populations,” Dr Hughes said.

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