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Frequently Asked Questions
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The following Q & As have been prepared to answer questions you may have regarding John Muir Health's tobacco-free initiative.
- Why has John Muir Health decided to become tobacco free?
- When will the new policy take effect?
- Who is affected by the tobacco-free policy?
- What does it mean to have a tobacco-free campus?
- Does this mean that patients and visitors must quit?
- What if I am a patient in the hospital for an unplanned reason and am a smoker. Will I be allowed to smoke?
- What areas of John Muir Health are included in the tobacco-free policy?
- Do I have to leave the campus to use tobacco?
- What happens if someone is caught using tobacco on campus?
- Does John Muir Health have smoking cessation programs I can take?
Q: Why has John Muir Health decided to become tobacco free?
A: As a leader in healthcare, John Muir Health has a special responsibility to offer a clean and healthy environment to everybody. Tobacco use in and around hospitals poses health and safety risks for patients, employees and visitors. We believe that one of the strongest statements we can make about how seriously we take our mission of promoting good health is to be tobacco-free. Making our organization tobacco-free will enhance the beautiful buildings and further promote a welcoming and healing environment.
[back to top]Q: When will the new policy take effect?
A: The tobacco-free policy is effective on September 8, 2008.
Q: Who is affected by the tobacco-free policy?
A: This policy applies to all patients, families, visitors, physicians, employees, volunteers, students, vendors and contractors.
Q: What does it mean to have a tobacco-free campus?
A: Our tobacco-free campus means the use of cigarettes, cigars and pipes, and smokeless tobacco is not permitted while on any John Muir Health campus or facility.
Q: Does this mean that patients and visitors must quit?
A: No we are not asking patients or visitors to quit using tobacco, but you are expected to be tobacco free while on John Muir Health property. Coping strategies to help you get through the day without using tobacco are available from your health care provider.
Q: What if I am a patient in the hospital for an unplanned reason and am a smoker. Will I be allowed to smoke?
A. No. JMH is a tobacco free organization. The hospital staff will work with your physician to provide medications, aids to control your urge to use tobacco while you are in the hospital.
Q: What areas of John Muir Health are included in the tobacco-free policy?
A: The tobacco-free policy applies to all property, buildings, grounds and parking lots owned, leased or managed by John Muir Health. Also covered under this policy are all vehicles owned or operated by John Muir Health.
Q: Do I have to leave the campus to use tobacco?
A: Yes, once you enter a John Muir Health facility or campus, the tobacco-free policy is in effect. You will need to extinguish any cigarettes or stop the use of smokeless tobacco before entering the campus grounds.
Q: What happens if someone is caught using tobacco on campus?
A: The appropriate supervisor will be notified so they can discuss the incident with the individual/s involved. John Muir Health will enforce the Tobacco Free policy just as it would any other policy violation.