FAQ

• Why are we becoming a tobacco-free campus, inside and out?
• How does this policy differ from the previous smoke free policy (number 203)?
• What does "Tobacco Free" include?
• When does this new policy change go into effect?
• Will this include the Behavioral Health Units?
• Can I smoke in my car?
• Can I smoke on the sidewalks in front of the hospital?
• What kind of support will be provided for those who wish to quit tobacco use?
• How are we educating staff, physicians, patients and the public on this issue?
• What will happen to the Smoking Hut?

Q: Why are we becoming a tobacco-free campus, inside and out?

A: We wish to create a healthier environment for everyone on our campus and in our community.

• Butler Memorial Hospital and Butler Health System (BHS) feels strongly that reducing tobacco use is part of its mission as a healthcare institution.
• Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of illness and disease.
• Second-hand smoke contributes to respiratory infections, asthma, emphysema, heart disease and cancer.
• Studies by the Surgeon General have concluded that there are no safe levels of second-hand smoke. Therefore, we must take measures that will protect the health of our employees, visitors and families.

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Q: How does this policy differ from the previous smoke free policy (number 203)?

A: Our previous policy prohibits smoking inside the hospital but allows patients, visitors and staff to smoke in designated areas. The revised policy will prohibit smoking anywhere on our campus, as well as properties owned or leased by BHS, including all parking areas. Also, BHS facilities will no longer have designated smoking areas.

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Q: What does "Tobacco Free" include?

A: The use of all tobacco products is prohibited. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipe smoke and smokeless tobacco such as chew and snuff.

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Q: When does this new policy change go into effect?

A: On September 2, 2008, all BHS campuses, sites and properties will become tobacco free. This will apply to all patients, employees, medical staff, visitors, volunteers and students.

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Q: Will this include the Behavioral Health Units?

A: A decision was made to remain tobacco free throughout the hospital in all departments in order to eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) supports the efforts to reduce nicotine dependence in patients and "encourages appropriate diagnosis and treatment of nicotine dependence as a co-morbid condition with other psychiatric disorders." The APA's guideline on tobacco additionally recommends all psychiatric treatment units be smoke free. "Giving special off-ward privileges to allow patients to smoke or labeling off-ward passes as 'smoking breaks' implicitly condones smoking." Furthermore, "it is very difficult to motivate inpatients to stop smoking unless the unit is smoke free."

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Q: Can I smoke in my car?

A: Not if it is parked or being driven on any property owned or leased by BHS. This will keep our areas free from second-hand smoke as well as the litter of cigarette butts. Employees also need to keep in mind that they need to limit breaks to the allotted time and remain free from offensive odors if returning to work.

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Q: Can I smoke on the sidewalks in front of the hospital?

A: We hope that smokers do not move from BHS properties to our neighbors' properties. If employees do move to public access locations, it is our hope they are always respectful of those areas and do not leave cigarette butts lying around.

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Q: What kind of support will be provided for those who wish to quit tobacco use?

A: We will provide access to education and intervention. Support will be provided to all people who request help to quit smoking. Tobacco Cessation classes are available for employees and community. Class schedules and locations will be promoted throughout the year, and other resources will be announced as they are made available.

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Q: How are we educating staff, physicians, patients and the public on this issue?

A: A Tobacco Free Campus Tool Kit will be distributed to all managers and staff throughout Butler Health System. Physician offices will be informed so they can tell their patients about the tobacco free policy when referring them for tests, blood work or surgery. During registration periods, reminders will be mentioned to new patients and their families to prepare them for their visit or stay at the hospital.

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Q: What will happen to the Smoking Hut?

A: Eventually, it will need to be to be removed for the new construction on campus. But, we will provide it or some designated smoking area on campus until September 2.

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Please leave your questions about a tobacco-free campus on the Tobacco Free Hotline at 724-431-2910 or ext. 2910 from within the hospital. Answers will be published weekly or as needed.