Hospital, nursing home to become tobacco-free
Published:
Claiborne Progress
Wednesday,
March 3, 2010
Claiborne County Hospital
and Nursing Home recently announced plans on the implementation of their new
tobacco-free campus policy, effective June 1, 2010. This plan was approved
by the Claiborne County Hospital Board at their November 2009 meeting.
Hospital leaders say the new policy reflects the hospital’s mission: “We are
eliminating tobacco use on our properties to provide a healthy and safe
environment for employees, patients, and visitors and to promote positive
health behaviors,” stated Tim Brown, CCH Administrator.
The new policy bans the use of all tobacco products within all designated
properties owned, leased or occupied by Claiborne County
Hospital and Nursing Home.
The only exception will be for residents of the Nursing Home, who will be
allowed to smoke in pre-approved areas.
Statistics show that three-fourths of all current tobacco users say they
want to quit. Chief of Staff Dr. Robert Wilmoth and the entire Medical Staff
of the hospital recognize the challenges of breaking the addiction to
nicotine and respect an individual’s quitting process. “We are not telling
anyone, ‘you must quit smoking’ ”, said Dr. Wilmoth. “We are saying ‘No
smoking at Claiborne County Hospital.’
While you are a patient or visitor at this hospital, we can suggest ways to
ease nicotine withdrawal symptoms. If you are ready to quit, we have trained
professionals and community partners who can help you.”
Brown says that Claiborne
County
Hospital
and Nursing Home employees will help inform visitors and patients about the
new policy.
“This transition will take some time,” he stated, “but it’s central to our
continuing efforts to make
Claiborne
County
Hospital
and Nursing Home an excellent place to work and receive health care.”
In implementing the tobacco ban, the hospital plans to offer various
community activities, including symptoms relief or smoking cessation
treatment to interested staff.
