Smoking Policy

This Smoking Policy has been developed with the intention to create a smoke free environment by prohibiting the use of smoking materials throughout the hospital building(s). The restriction on smoking is intended to: to promote good health habits and provide a clean, safe, smoke free environment for patients, visitors, employees and the medical staff.

Visitors

1. Visitors may smoke in the building (next to flagpole) in front of hospital. No smoking will be allowed at any entrances or exits of all buildings of the hospital.

2. Visitors found to be smoking in the interior of the hospital or professional buildings (by any employee) are informed of the smoking policy, politely asked not to smoke inside the building, and directed to the nearest exit to extinguish or to the designated buildings if he/she wishes to continue smoking.

3. If a visitor refuses to cooperate the incident will be reported to Risk Manager or designee.

Patients

1. Patients will not be allowed to smoke.

2. The attending physician is NOT authorized to grant smoking privileges to any patient. The patient will be encouraged to discuss smoking alternatives with their physician.

3. Patients who are smokers will be given educational material explaining the risks of smoking. This will be documented in their chart.

4. If a patient refuses to follow this policy. The patient's physician will be notified.

DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS EXTERNAL TO THE HOSPITAL:

1. Building located near the front entrance of the hospital.

2. Building located near the loading dock at the rear of the hospital.