Warren Hospital to implement "tobacco-free campus" policy
January — Warren Hospital has joined forces with the American Cancer Society and the New Jersey Tobacco-Free Hospital Collaborative, which is made up of dozens of New Jersey hospitals moving towards a healthier environment for all who visit and work at their facilities. In keeping with our commitment to provide quality medical care and services to the community, all Warren Hospital properties will be tobacco-free as of March 30, 2009.
The new policy means that as of March 30, 2009 use of all tobacco products will be strictly prohibited by employees, physicians, patients, visitors, volunteers, vendors and medical staff anywhere on the campus or on any property owned or leased by Warren Hospital. The policy also applies to smoking in personal vehicles on the property as well as on any sidewalks or streets within the boundaries of the campus. This initiative will also include the elimination of designated areas outside Warren Hospital where employees, patients and visitors are currently permitted to smoke.
Patients are advised every day about the negative effects of smoking and of second-hand smoke. Smoking has been prohibited inside hospital buildings for many years; this new policy is simply extending the reach of wellness to our entire campus.
“As a health care organization, this initiative supports Warren Hospital’s primary mission to improve the health of those in our community, while promoting and supporting a culture of healthy living,’’ said Robert Rumfield, chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Recognizing that tobacco use is emotionally, physically and psychologically addictive, and that the transition to a tobacco-free environment will be challenging for many, this initiative was first announced to Warren Hospital employees and staff in October 2008. To make this transition as easy as possible, smoking cessation classes and educational materials are available for employees and the community to help those who may be ready to quit. In addition, assistance has been made available to physicians to help them prepare their patients who may need to be hospitalized in the future, and providing resources for those who wish to quit.
The hospital is asking for the community’s support for this tobacco-free initiative. For more information on smoking cessation classes and other available resources, please call Warren Hospital’s Health Education Department at (908) 859-6777.
January — Warren Hospital has joined forces with the American Cancer Society and the New Jersey Tobacco-Free Hospital Collaborative, which is made up of dozens of New Jersey hospitals moving towards a healthier environment for all who visit and work at their facilities. In keeping with our commitment to provide quality medical care and services to the community, all Warren Hospital properties will be tobacco-free as of March 30, 2009.
The new policy means that as of March 30, 2009 use of all tobacco products will be strictly prohibited by employees, physicians, patients, visitors, volunteers, vendors and medical staff anywhere on the campus or on any property owned or leased by Warren Hospital. The policy also applies to smoking in personal vehicles on the property as well as on any sidewalks or streets within the boundaries of the campus. This initiative will also include the elimination of designated areas outside Warren Hospital where employees, patients and visitors are currently permitted to smoke.
Patients are advised every day about the negative effects of smoking and of second-hand smoke. Smoking has been prohibited inside hospital buildings for many years; this new policy is simply extending the reach of wellness to our entire campus.
“As a health care organization, this initiative supports Warren Hospital’s primary mission to improve the health of those in our community, while promoting and supporting a culture of healthy living,’’ said Robert Rumfield, chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Recognizing that tobacco use is emotionally, physically and psychologically addictive, and that the transition to a tobacco-free environment will be challenging for many, this initiative was first announced to Warren Hospital employees and staff in October 2008. To make this transition as easy as possible, smoking cessation classes and educational materials are available for employees and the community to help those who may be ready to quit. In addition, assistance has been made available to physicians to help them prepare their patients who may need to be hospitalized in the future, and providing resources for those who wish to quit.
The hospital is asking for the community’s support for this tobacco-free initiative. For more information on smoking cessation classes and other available resources, please call Warren Hospital’s Health Education Department at (908) 859-6777.