Patients, visitors, employees, physicians and vendors will not be allowed to use tobacco products
—In order to promote a safe and healthy environment for patients, staff and visitors, ECM Hospital/North Alabama Medical Center is proud to be tobacco free, starting October 1, 2018.
Smoking and use of smokeless tobacco including e-cigarettes, vaping and dipping will be prohibited anywhere while at ECM Hospital or NAMC. This policy includes ECM East as well as Collins Medical Office Building, Cox Creek Medical Office Building and NAMC Medical Office Building. The tobacco ban also extends to
Russell Pigg, ECM Hospital Chief Executive Officer
campus grounds, such as sidewalks, parking lots or inside vehicles parked on campus.
“The health and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff is one of the highest priorities of North Alabama Medical Center, so as a result, we made the decision to ban tobacco products at our campuses,” said Russell Pigg, ECM Hospital Chief Executive Officer. “The purpose is to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of everyone who comes into our facilities. Also, we’re implementing this policy now, so when we move to NAMC in December, there will be a seamless transition in our stance on tobacco use at the hospital.”
Beginning October 1st, ECM Hospital/North Alabama Medical Center will inform patients of the policy when they are admitted to the hospital. Before the policy takes effect, signage will be installed across the campuses. Also, ECM Hospital/North Alabama Medical Center, is teaming up with the American Cancer Society to offer tobacco cessation assistance to employees, through the Quit For Life program.
“We want to give our employees every chance at success to quit using tobacco products,” said Pigg. “This program is free to our staff and we encourage them to take advantage. The 8-week program offers one-on-one coaching and a free supply of nicotine replacement therapy to those enrolled.”
According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use in the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
Media Release/Melissa Watkins/Marketing and Communications Director/North Alabama Medical Center
