Why a smoke-free environment? The number one cause of preventable illness is smoking.

Hospitalization for treatment of an acute or chronic health problem, particularly an illness related to tobacco use, can represent for many patients a time of heightened motivation to quit smoking. In the hospital setting, the teachable moment presents as that moment when patients and families experience serious concerns regarding their lifestyle or mortality. This may be a time when they are more receptive to suggestions for change and more willing to consider changes in their lifestyle.

Hospitals are a vital and often central part of our communities. As health care institutions it is important that we educate and model healthy behaviors for our communities. With this in mind, implementation of a smoke-free environment sends a clear message of the commitment to create and sustain healthy communities. Additionally, a smoke-free campus encourages both employees and patients to quit tobacco.

Below are listed some of the steps to implement a smoke-free environment at your facility. If you would like to request materials or a consult please fill out our registration form.

SFE Information Request

A Checklist to Implement a Smoke-free Environment

1. Announce top management's commitment to create a smoke-free environment.
2. Assign responsibility and authority for coordinating the implementation of the SFE to an appropriate member of senior management.
3. Create a task force to plan implementation of the new smoke-free environment.
   
   • Include persons who smoke, nonsmokers, former smokers and representatives of any officially recognized employee organization.
4. Develop a timetable. Set a specific date to be smoke-free.
5. Gather information including:
   
   • The medical, economic, and social effects of smoking
   • Smoke-free policies implemented by other organizations.
   • Facilities (e.g., physical constraints or leases with other organizations that may influence policy decisions).
   • Employees (percentage of nonsmokers and smokers, level of enthusiasm).
   • Existing smoking policy.
   • Legal issues (legislation, regulation, union contracts, and other contracts).
6. Draft the implementation plan to phase in the smoke-free environment. Have it reviewed and refined by the appropriate individuals and groups.
7. Announce the policy and implementation plan to al employees through a letter from the Chief Executive Officer.
8. Educate employees, patients and guests:
   
   • Training sessions for managers
   • Feedback sessions for employees
   • Company newsletter, paycheck inserts, all staff emails
   • Signs, displays, leaflets
   • Flyers in patient appointment reminders
   • Flyers/posters in waiting areas
   • Notices in present designated smoking areas
   • News releases to local media
9. Offer smoking cessation programs to employees and their families at least 6 months prior to implementation day.
10. Obtain insurance coverage of at least one cessation drug.
11. Have the pharmacy carry cessation pharmaceutical inventories.
12. Make changes to facilitate the smoke-free environment.
    
    • Install "Smoke-free Area", "Smoke-free Environment - No Smoking in this Outside Location", or "No Smoking' signs.
    • Remove ash receptacles
13. Enforce the policy from day one.
14. Evaluate and refine policy.
15. Be flexible and patient.

References for Smoke-Free Work Place Updated! (Microsoft Word Doc)