Press Releases (2010)

Elkhart General Hospital Bans On-site Tobacco Use
May 11, 2010

ELKHART, IN – The Board of Elkhart General Hospital has approved a policy banning the use of tobacco products at all its locations effective August 1, 2010. This new policy applies to patients and staff.

“Tobacco products contain substances that contribute to serious health problems,” said Kurt Meyer, Vice President, Human Resources and Support Services. “As the healthcare leader in our community, we need to lead by example and provide a healthy, smoke-free environment for our patients and staff.”

As of August 1st, employees will not only be prohibited from using tobacco products at all EGH locations, they will not be allowed to use smokeless tobacco products or leave the building for a smoking break. Employees will only be permitted to work if they are free of the smell of cigarette smoke. “Our non-smoking patients tell us they find the smell of smoke on an employee less than pleasing, particularly when ill and in the hospital.” said Meyer.

Smoking cessation classes and other aids will be offered to employees free of charge through September 1st. In addition, employees will have on-site counselors available to them and the employee assistance program to support them through this transition.

The new ban on tobacco use will also prohibit patients from using smokeless products or leaving the building to smoke. Hospital visitors will be allowed to smoke only at the shelter on East Boulevard.

All hospitals in Michiana and an ever growing number nationally have implemented tobacco-free campus policies with great success. Elkhart General Hospital is proud to be an advocate and champion for a tobacco-free society.

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About Elkhart General Hospital

Elkhart General Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit hospital located in Elkhart, Indiana. The full-service, 325-bed main hospital serves more than 18,500 patients a month. The Elkhart General medical staff is comprised of 330 physicians representing 30 medical specialties, and over 2,000 employees serve in nursing, technical, administrative, and support capacities. The Elkhart General Hospital website is www.egh.org.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Tammy Gustafson

Elkhart General Hospital, Manager of Marketing and Communications

Phone (574) 523-7891
Email tgustafson@egh.org
Website www.egh.org