What does tobacco-free campus mean?
It means that there will be no tobacco use, including smoking, pipes, chewing tobacco, etc., allowed on any property owned by Sylvan Grove Hospital. This includes inside the building as well as outside, including parking lots, entrances and sidewalks.
How do I know where Sylvan Grove Hospital property begins and ends?
Click here to view a map of the Sylvan Grove Hospital campus.
To whom does the policy apply?
The policy applies to all employees, contractors, patients, visitors and physicians.
When does the policy take effect?
The policy will take effect on Thursday, November 1, 2007.
Why become a tobacco-free campus now?
Sylvan Grove Hospital is joining hospitals across the country that have already created tobacco-free campuses. As a health care provider, Sylvan Grove Hospital has a commitment to provide a healthy environment for the employees, physicians, patients and community that we serve.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, even small amounts of secondhand smoke can be harmful to your health. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems. According to the U.S. Surgeon General report, “there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.” Therefore, in an effort to reinforce our commitment to providing a healthy environment, we are eliminating tobacco products and secondhand smoke exposure at our campus.
How will the policy be enforced?
If a visitor or patient is seen using a tobacco product, Sylvan Grove Hospital employees, management and security will ask the individual to quit using the product and inform them of the policy. Visitors will be informed that they will need to leave property to use the tobacco product. If a patient continues to use a tobacco product after being informed of the policy, their physician will be contacted.
Will I be allowed to smoke in my car while it is parked on Sylvan Grove Hospital property?
No, you will not be allowed to smoke in your car if it is parked on the Sylvan Grove Hospital campus.
If I chose to quit, what resources are available?
There are a variety of resources available to people who want to quit using tobacco products.
- Freshstart, the American Cancer Society’s stop smoking program, is a two-week course where individuals meet in a group setting to learn techniques and helpful hints to quit. Sylvan Grove Hospital plans to offer the Freshstart course to the community. Dates on the classes will be announced at a later time.
- The Georgia Quit Line (1-877-270-STOP) is a free resource for Georgia residents. Trained counselors advise callers on the quitting process.
- There are also nicotine replacement and medication options.
Speak to your doctor about your plans for quitting and for help in deciding what is best for you.
If I am a patient at Sylvan Grove Hospital and am a tobacco user, what resources will be available to me?
If you are planning on having a procedure at Sylvan Grove Hospital, you can speak to your doctor before being admitted into the hospital about nicotine replacement therapy options. For other patients, your attending physician will assess and discuss the need for nicotine replacement therapy and if necessary, can write an order for a nicotine replacement or smoking cessation agent.