Landmark joins in statewide initiative banning smoking on hospital grounds

2008-11-12

Landmark Medical Center is joining in a statewide initiative that bans smoking and the use of tobacco products on hospital grounds, effective November 20, 2008, the date of The Great American Smokeout. The new policy includes Landmark’s primary campus at 115 Cass Avenue, Woonsocket, as well as the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island, 116 Eddie Dowling Highway, North Smithfield.

Smoking and tobacco products have long been prohibited inside Landmark Medical Center. Under the new policy, the ban is extended to include the outside grounds of the hospital property. Patients, employees, and visitors will no longer be permitted to use tobacco on hospital property. Individuals who wish to use tobacco products will need to leave the property to do so.

“As a healthcare organization, we have a responsibility to provide a clean, safe and healthy environment for our patients, visitors, and employees,” said Richard R. Charest, President of Landmark Medical Center. “Smoking and the use of tobacco products are serious environmental hazards and represent the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. There is no risk-free level of exposure to cigarette smoke, and we are pleased to join in the effort to become a tobacco-free hospital campus.”

The tobacco-free initiative includes the nine member hospitals of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.