How do I apply for membership?
- Establishing a multidisciplinary working group (or smoke free committee) to support ongoing action with respect to smoking and tobacco control is recommended.
- Complete the self-audit questionnaire and establish an action plan – this will assist in identifying your health service's current status in relation to the standards.
- Nominate a contact person or your health service representative and send a copy of the completed self-audit questionnaire and action plan to the Victorian network, along with a letter of commitment from senior management.
- On receipt of these completed documents the Victorian network will register the healthcare service with the Global Network and will arrange a Membership Certificate.
Is there a fee to join the Victorian Network of Smokefree HealthCare Services?
Currently there is no model fee structure in place. Network membership requires members submit an audit two yearly as a demonstration of their ongoing commitment.
What topics do you cover in your network meetings?
The network meetings cover a wide range of topics depending on the needs and interests of participants. There is an opportunity for participants to seek advice from each other and to share experiences.
How often do members complete their self-audit?
Audits are completed on a two yearly basis. If health services have difficulties in conducting their audit, the Coordinating Centre can liaise with the member representative to help facilitate completion.
Can there be more than one representative per member health service?
Yes, please list their contact details and position/department within the health service on the application form.
Does a health service have to become a member of VNSHS to access resources shared by members?
Yes, this is a key benefit of joining the network.
Do health services have to share all their available resources with other members?
This is up to the member health service, but the overall success of the network and its members relies on this mutual sharing process.