Thank you so much for your article on the smoking problem at the Fraser Cancer Centre (“Smokers cloud Surrey cancer centre,” Oct. 16).
I went for my treatments for breast cancer two-and-a-half years ago and it was no different then.
I complained to the staff but was told that there was nothing they could do as the bylaw officers took so long to get out there that often the smokers were gone. Or they simply moved on, and when the officers left, moved back to the same locations.
I was also told that there was a huge problem with some of the smokers (some are staff ) smoking around the building near the air intake vents. That meant that those undergoing chemotherapy had to breath smoke fumes that were being drawn into the building from those smoking outside.
In the past, I understand, there was a small building in the middle of the parking lot for them to smoke in. That was torn down to make more room for cars when the smoking bylaw went into effect many years ago.
If a building of that nature could be put up on the property, it would make a huge difference to those of us who truly care about our health.
Perhaps the hospital needs to hire some security with the authority to enforce the bylaws to ensure that those who want to live healthier lives can do so, free from the effects of second-hand smoke.
Sherri Piechnik
