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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000). It’s a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For other urgent medical issues, go to an Emergency Department.

Our Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

Tobacco smoking is one of the largest causes of preventable death and illness in NSW. Learn more about smoking, your health and quitting. There is specific information for Aboriginal people, pregnant women and people with a mental illness.  

Vaping (or e-cigarette) use is an emerging problem, particularly among young people. As part of the North Coast Youth Vaping Taskforce, Mid North Coast Local Health District has developed a youth vaping hub with resources for young people, parents and carers and schools. For information and support, visit Do you know what you're vaping? 

Get help to quit

There are a range of options for those wanting to quit smoking or vaping, including:

Smoke-free and vape-free hospitals and places

Did you know, no smoking also means no vaping?

Under the NSW Smoke-free Environment Act 2000, vaping is banned wherever smoking is banned.

NSW Health Facilities

All buildings and grounds in Northern NSW Local Health are smoke-free and vape-free. This means:

  • You cannot smoke or vape in any of our hospitals and health services, this includes NSW Health buildings, grounds, and vehicles
  • all smokers and vapers can access assistance while in hospital to manage any cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • any smokers and vapers admitted to one of our hospitals will be asked about their smoking or vaping (how many and how often) to assess their level of nicotine dependence. If clinically appropriate, free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) will be offered while in hospital and on discharge to manage any cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Smoking and vaping is banned in all enclosed public areas and certain outdoor public areas. This includes public transport, swimming pools, playgrounds, outdoor dining, spectator areas at sporting events and within four metres of access to a public building.  

It is illegal to smoke or use a vape in a car with children under the age of 16 years in the vehicle. NSW Police enforce these bans.

These bans protect people from the harms of second-hand smoke and vapour. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.

Sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes (vapes) in NSW

In NSW, there are strict laws that govern the sale of tobacco and tobacco products including e-cigarettes.  

NSW Health’s Environmental Health branch is responsible for ensuring retailers follow these laws. 

You can report retailers you think are breaking these laws, by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412 or reporting them online to NSW Health.