LAYTON — Davis Hospital and Medical Center has been honored by The Coalition for a Tobacco Free Utah for its efforts in creating a tobacco-free hospital campus.

The hospital was presented with the award Wednesday. It joins other hospitals and medical centers statewide in becoming tobacco-free.

Davis Hospital’s policy includes all tobacco product, even e-cigarettes inside the hospital and walkways which are part of the campus, including Tanner Clinic, Davis Surgical Center, Robert F. Bitner Building, Davis Family Physicians, Stephen Henagar College, Davis Medical Plaza, Wasatch Peak PLaza and Wee Care Pediatrics.

The hospital has nicotine replacement therapy available to support patrons, and staff and will provide practical tips for coping without tobacco during hospital stays. They will also refer patients to free local cessation services like the Utah Tobacco Quit line.

“Tobacco-free policies ensure a healthier working environment for all employees, promote post-surgical wound healing, and are consistent with the mission of all health care professionals to improve health,” said Sac Nicte Yescas-Smoot, president of the CTFU.

“ They protect the patient, the caregiver, and the community. Controlling the public’s exposure to the pollutants of secondhand smoke is a significant health concern,” he said.

“We are pleased that the Davis Hospital and Medical Center campus has taken steps to protect its citizens from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.”

mwilliams@davisclipper.com