Hospital snuffs out smoking
Smokers beware: As of today, Uniontown Hospital is smoke-free and violators may be prosecuted. “We are going to be completely smoke-free on our entire medical campus, which includes the block the hospital is on and the medical arts building next to us,” said Paul Bacharach, hospital president and chief executive officer.
The hospital is taking a stricter position by banning smoking inside and outside, especially at its entrances.
Uniontown City Council earlier this year approved an anti-smoking ordinance for the hospital grounds.
Violators could be cited by hospital or city police and pay a $100 fine.
“We are creating a small shelter on Delaware Avenue where smoking will be allowed,” Bacharach said.
But the emphasis is being placed on the smoking ban.
“Our efforts are to control smoking. If we have a patient who smokes, we will do what we can through medication or a nicotine patch and we will help them stop smoking,” Bacharach said.
While there will be smoking receptacles at the entrances, they will only be for people to put out cigarettes and other smoking products.
The hospital considers “smoke-free” to include banning all smoking and burning tobacco products, including, but not limited to cigarettes, cigars and pipes.
The hospital’s smoke-free campus philosophy is as follows:
“The surgeon general has declared smoking to be the number one cause of preventable death in the United States. Medical research supports the link between tobacco use and numerous health problems, including heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease and birth defects.
“Additionally, studies support the adverse health effects of secondhand smoke on persons in proximity to cigarette smoke. Thirdly, cigarette smoking is a fire safety risk in the hospital setting.
“This policy is dedicated to providing a tobacco free environment for our patients, employees, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors.”
The ban will be in effect for all properties owned and leased by Uniontown Hospital, including the Uniontown Medical Pavilion, diagnostic center and others.