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Updated: 9:25 AM Sep 27, 2007
Memorial Hospital Goes Smoke Free
Memorial Hospital announced this week that beginning January 1, 2008 the hospital will be completely tobacco free. This new policy means that employees will be prohibited from tobacco use during the workday. Posted: 8:46 PM Sep 26, 2007Reporter: McKenzie Martin Email Address: mmartin@kktv11news.com |
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Maybe they should concentrate on patient/staff relations. I'd rather smell "smoke" on a nurse than have to deal with her rude, impersonable attitude at my bedside. It seems more and more health care workers snotty and mean.
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I have been a smoker for 30 years. I know it's bad but it is my addiction. But I totally agree with the hospital. I know that Memorial is offering their employees help to quit smoking and if my company told me I could not smoke on their dime and offered me help to quit I would be all over that. I agree that this is for the patients and I have a 2 pound grandaughter in that NICU that I don't want around smoke smell. I know that there are other smells that can trigger a reaction but the hospital has to start somewhere so why not smoking? The only thing I have to say for the opposing side is, how is the hospital going to stop their patients from crossing the street to the tennis court to have a smoke??? If I can't smoke at a bar then why not a hospital.
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So, the toxins from smoke can cling to your clothing for up to 15min.This can harm people that are sensitive to smoke and can cause adverse reactions.This is not to punish anyone it is to provide a safe and healthy environment for staff, patients, and community members.Maybe your not aware that smoking can kill you.How can Memorial promote wellness when it allows it's employees to smoke.What you do on your own time is your own business, but coming to work smelling of cigarettes is a violation of every dress code I've ever read.You are to maintain a clean appearance.This includes odor.I'm ashamed at the individuals that are so selfish they put their own needs before those of others.And dening a patient care because they smoke is for their own good.Smokers have more complications then non-smokers.It's a risk to be operated on.
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I think this is a great idea. As a patient I notice when a person smells like cigarette smoke. It is offensive. I am an EMT. They teach you to not wear perfume, cologne, or any other hearvy smelling products, because they can offend patients. They can also make patients sick. This is the same principle. I for one don't want the people taking care of me to smell like an ashtray.
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are we in Russia or what? where are our civil rights? were they evacuated without my knowledge? I am a smoker and this absolutely crazy to infringe my rights on my own time. this an illegal drug we're talking about. the government makes alot of money on this product....
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Good for them! I've had 2 babies at Memorial and I don't want to smell someone that stinks of smoke around me or my baby. It's disgusting. Not to mention that studies show that smokers take waaaay more breaks than the average worker! Go Memorial!
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I agree with the ban. All a lung cancer patient needs is his doctor or nurse to come in smelling like smoke. This is not unconstitutional. Private companies can do what they like. The hospital is not a state entity. They do not have to follow the same rules that the federal/state government would have to. If I do not allow you to smoke in my home, I am not violating your constitutional rights. The people on this site making this lame argument do not know what their rights really are. If people do not like the rules, don't work there.
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Give me a break people. If my workplace told me they were banning Pepsi (my own personal addiction), I would get over it or leave at lunch time to drink it. It's not like you're going to die without a smoke--hmmm, but pretty sure you will with one.
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Good for Memorial! Until I stop seeing people throw their cigarette butts out all over the place I am in favor of any measure that is anti-smoking. I personnely think smokes should be $20 a pack. Use your ashtray.
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Let's talk about drinking. How many people are killed each year in the Unisted States by drunk drivers? How many errors are made in hospitals by inebriated employees. Don't tell me it doesn't happen. Yet we as a nation of concerned citizens do nothing about alcohol consumption. By the way...drink also causes harm to the drinkers body that "OUR" insurance covers...just like for the smokers. Wake-Up america...when are you going to start looking at the drinkers. By the way is someone taking Memorial to court?
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Good. If I'm going to be in a hospital not feeling well then I sure dont want to be around someone who has been smoking. That smell makes me sick to my stomache. Most smokers dont't realize how bad they smell. Not to mention, its outragously dangerous to smoke anywear near a hospial.
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Ok, so I vote, oh yeah there was NO VOTE. Anyway as a customer of Memorial Hospital on many occasions, I would also like to see banned the unkept employees who smell anyway, because they don't care. Better supply mouthwash for those with bad breath also. I am subject to migraines so also ban the "deodorizers" used in the restrooms, etc. I myself have to cover my nose whenever I use them or suffer an instant migraine. Smoking is some peoples way of dealing with stress. Working in a hospital can be very stressful I would imagine. Why take away their right to deal with the stress in the way they wish? Completely unconstitutional! At some point, smokers need to start speaking very loudly or they will see all of their rights stripped way. Remember No Taxation without Representation? Well you've been taxed and stripped...when are you going to speak up?
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I feel that this is an infringment on people's right. I am an ex-smoker and I would be very furious if I were still and was given this ruling. But I do also understand that patients (especially those with breathing disorders) can react with the smell of smoke. I am turned off by it myself (I never could smell it the same way when I was still a smoker), though it does not cause me harm. There should be some things available for the smokers. We do have soap and disinfectant hand cleaners for those coming from the restrooms. So we could have something for the smoker, ie: providing clothing spray and mouth spray/drops for those returning from a smoke break. I know, I know, we should not have to pay for them - but it could be provided to the employees at a wholesale cost and required to be used just as washing hands after using the bathroom facilities. Everyone needs to understand each others needs, feelings, health, and rights. You know the saying "until you have walked a day in my shoes."
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I think a lot of the focus is on the unhealthy effects of second hand smoke and that being the main reason. You also have to look at the smell being a main factor. Patients can be allergic to pretty much anything and I don't see this as different from a no cologne/perfume rule. Any of us who have worked on an asthmatic or other respiratory distress patient knows how fast their situation can deteriorate. The smell of cigarette smoke can set them off similar to other strong smells. Not every time but the liability is there. Does it suck for smokers? Absolutely! Just remember that we got in this business to take care of patients. Never forget your role as an advocate for them even if that means some personal sacrifice.
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I am no longer shocked by some of the things that pass for "acceptable"! I agree with most of these posts here. Next thing you know we will be allowing employers to dictate what we can eat or drink! I know that cigarette smoke on a person does smell bad, but some things that people eat make them smell bad as well. Sounds to me like these employees couldn't even smoke in their own cars, let alone outdoors on their own time. Insane.
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