That means no one will be able to smoke anywhere, including outside, in any of those areas, says Public Relations director Lora Kier.
The official announcement is due to be made Thursday in conjunction with Great American Smokeout Day. Davis Hospital CEO Mike Jensen will join with CEOs of Brigham City Community Hospital, McKay-Dee Regional Hospital Center and Ogden Regional Medical Center in a ceremony at the Weber/Morgan Health Department offices in Ogden that morning.
Representatives of the Davis Health Department are also involved in the effort and expected to be in attendance.
“Davis Hospital’s mission includes improving the quality of life for the people and communities we serve,” Jensen says. “By providing a tobacco-free campus, we believe this will not only support our mission, but will help maintain a healthier environment for everyone.”
Davis Hospital efforts include working with campus office/clinic managers and the health department, he said.
The change means smoking or tobacco use of any kind will not be allowed on the hospital campus, surrounding clinics and campus offices, including all parking areas and personal vehicles.
The new policy includes employees, physicians, volunteers, contractors, visitors and patients, Jensen said.
“We are aware there are staff members at Davis Hospital who use tobacco products, and this change, particularly the guideline regarding parking areas, will influence their current use of tobacco,” he said.
“We understand this will present both a change and a challenge for these employees,” the administrator said, noting “timely information and notification, and support for this change” will be provided.
That includes support from the health department, if employees desire that, said Health Department spokesman Bob Ballew.
The hospital is collaborating with the Utah Quit Line and health department to provide smoking cessation support, and a four-week class will be available, Jensen said.
The quit line number is 1-888-567-8788 (TRUTH).
Kier said that up until Jan. 1, Davis Hospital has prohibited smoking within 25 feet of entrances, in line with the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act.
Lakeview’s entire campus is already smoke-free in parking lots and anywhere on hospital grounds.
A spokesperson for the hospital said this has been in place for nearly a year.
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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