1. Why is Lancaster General going tobacco-free? Lancaster General’s mission is to advance the health and well-being of the communities of Lancaster. As the leading healthcare provider and the county’s largest employer, we realize how a tobacco-free campus improves the health of our staff members and the community. A tobacco-free work environment also provides a healthier experience at Lancaster General for employees, patients and their families.

2. What does “tobacco-free” mean? The use of tobacco products in any form will be prohibited on all property owned or leased by Lancaster General. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco and snuff.

3. When does the policy go into effect? January 1, 2008.

4. Why was January 1 selected as a launch date? Lancaster General understands this will be a significant change for many people. That’s why we announced this new policy six months before implementation. Providing ample notice and smoking cessation support options is critical to the success of this initiative.

5. Will smoking be allowed anywhere in Lancaster General facilities or on Lancaster General’s property after Jan. 1, 2008? No.

6. What are considered Lancaster General facilities? All Lancaster General Medical Group practices, (LGMG), Brownstown, the Burle Industries office, Maple Farm Nursing Center, Columbia Health Center, Crooked Oak Services, Grandview Heights, Kissel Hill Health Center, Lancaster General Norlanco, Walter L Aument FHC, Willow Lakes, Greenfield PFS, Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, Lancaster General Health Campus, Lancaster General Hospital, VNA, Women and Babies Hospital, and Twin Rose Primary Healthcare.

7. Will tobacco use be allowed at employee and public events held on Lancaster General property? No.

8. Will tobacco use be allowed at public events sponsored by Lancaster General? That depends upon the decision made by the organization holding the event. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, Lancaster General will request all events it sponsors to be tobacco-free.

9. Who decided this policy? A tobacco-free work group, consisting of tobacco users and nonusers from a variety of departments and job responsibilities, spent several months exploring the benefits and feasibility of creating a tobacco-free work environment. Lancaster General’s executive leadership, after considering the tobacco-free work group’s recommendations, sought approval from the Lancaster General Board of Trustees. The Trustees approved the policy changes on June 28.

10. Will this policy be phased in? Yes. Lancaster General is committed to creating a smooth transition to a tobacco-free healthcare environment and minimizing inconvenience for everyone. We will educate employees, patients, visitors and physicians about this policy change over the next several months. As of January 1, 2008, tobacco use will not be allowed on any of Lancaster General’s properties.

11. Will you be adding more security and/or smoking cessation counselors? We will be adding staff to meet demand.

12. How will people be notified about this new policy? Lancaster General will use a variety of communication methods during the next several months to notify people about the new policy including letters, newspaper advertisements, signage, fliers and posters, website postings (both internal and external), community newsletters, and employee publications.

13. Isn’t smoking a personal, legal right? Yes. Lancaster General believes in the rights of individuals to make choices, and it does not want to infringe upon what individuals do at home or other venues. Employers implement policies for the health and safety of the total workforce and others. As the leading healthcare provider for our area, we must lead by example and offer our employees, patients visitors and physicians a healthy, tobacco-free environment.

14. Are other Lancaster County hospitals also going tobacco-free? Yes. Ephrata Community Hospital and Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center have announced that they are moving toward tobacco-free work environments.

Patient-specific Questions

1. What are the consequences for patients who violate the tobacco-free policy? Patients will be informed of LG’s tobacco-free policy upon admission. Patients who choose to smoke will be reminded of the Lancaster General tobacco-free policy and will be asked to refrain from using tobacco again on Lancaster General property. They will be offered nicotine replacement therapy and one-on-one counseling with a smoking cessation counselor. If the patient refuses to comply, they may be considered for discharge and escorted from the facility.

2. What will happen to visitors if they violate the policy? Visitors who choose to smoke will be reminded of the Lancaster General tobacco-free policy and will be asked to refrain from using tobacco again on Lancaster General property. If a visitor(s) refuses to comply, the visitor(s) will be asked to leave. If the visitor(s) refuses to leave, security will be asked to escort the person(s) off the premises.

3. What will you do to help patients with nicotine needs? Lancaster General is offering various support measures, including pharmacotherapy and smoking cessation programs for patients as well as one on one counseling with a smoking cessation counselor. For more information about any of these programs, please call 544-3278.

4. Can you smoke in an ambulance? Can ambulance drivers smoke? No. The use of tobacco products is prohibited on any property owned or leased by Lancaster General. It applies to anyone and everyone on-site.

5. Can I smoke in my car? No. Not while the car is on Lancaster General property. Tobacco use is prohibited on all Lancaster General properties. This includes Lancaster General-owned parking facilities.

6. If I see someone smoking, what should I do? Who should I tell? As a patient, your health and well-being are our top priorities. If you happen to see someone smoking, you are encouraged to tell the nearest staff member.

7. Does this compromise the quality of care I receive from employees who are experiencing effects from quitting? No. Providing top-quality care has always been and will continue to be our top priority. You can rest assured that there will be no interruption or degradation in the quality of care you receive at Lancaster General as a result of this new policy.

Updated 7/16/07