Smoke Free Campus

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Preston Memorial Hospital is a Smoke Free Campus

As of July 1, 2009 no smoking will be permitted on Preston Memorial Hospital property inside or outside, including in vehicles parked on PMH parking areas.

This policy is designed to for the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and employees. It is about controlling the effects of tobacco, the chief single cause of preventable death and disease. The policy goals include reducing second-hand smoke, the harmful effects of tobacco use on the health of all, and the complications to healing in our patients.
It is not anti-smoker, but rather anti-smoking policy.

We must provide a healthy safe environment to everyone who visits our locations.
As health care providers, this is the right thing to do.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why can’t I smoke? I always have before?
The health system is dedicated to making our environment safe for all our patients and community. That is why we have a new policy that doesn’t permit any tobacco use. It may take some time to get used to. We are sorry if it is inconvenient for you.

What can I do if I can’t smoke?
Alternatives to Smoking on Campus for Visitors:

The lobby will have an information center on stress management, tobacco and stress, and instructions for using available relaxation materials.
Visitors are welcome to watch TV in the waiting rooms.
Visitors are welcome to walk around our sidewalks weather permitting.
Visitors can view the map of the campus to see where they may exit the smoke-free zone

Why did PMH close the smoking area?
Eliminating smoking will eliminate chronic exposure of non-smoking in-patents and staff to second-hand smoke at our facilities. It supports those who are trying to quit and eliminates odors on staff that come in contact with patients. The smell of smoke is a trigger for those trying to remain tobacco-free while they are here. And it is inconsistent with our goal of increasing smoke-free areas in our communities.

What if I’m a patient?
Your doctor is confident we can give you the best care here, and you can talk to him or her about getting medicine to be comfortable without smoking while you are a patient.

What are we doing to help our patients quit smoking?

At every admission, patient tobacco use will be assessed and the patient will be given information about tobacco, second hand smoke, and quitting.
Every patient who goes to the nursing floors is again assessed and offered the opportunity to receive counseling for quitting.
Patients who request smoking cessation information will be given that at the bedside or via mail or follow-up phone call.
Doctors may have standing orders to use for nicotine replacement or other medications so that every in-patient can be comfortable if they are not interested in quitting, or can start the quit process while a patient.