What does tobacco-free campus mean?
It means that there will be no tobacco use, including smoking, pipes, chewing tobacco, etc., allowed on any property owned by Spalding Regional Medical Center. This includes all off-site properties that we own or operate including Rehabilitation Services, Center for Sleep Medicine and EMS. 

Smoking and use of tobacco products will be prohibited inside all buildings as well as outdoor areas, including parking lots, entrances and sidewalks.

How do I know where Spalding Regional Medical Center property begins and ends?
Click here to view a map that outlines the main campus.

To whom does the policy apply?
The policy applies to all employees, contractors, patients, visitors and physicians. 

 When does the policy take effect?
The policy will take effect on Thursday, November 1, 2007.

Why become a tobacco-free campus now?
Spalding Regional Medical Center is joining hospitals across the country that have already created tobacco-free campuses. As a health care provider, Spalding Regional Medical Center has a commitment to provide a healthy environment for the employees, physicians, patients and community that we serve.  

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, even small amounts of secondhand smoke can be harmful to your health. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems. According to the U.S. Surgeon General report, “there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.” Therefore, in an effort to reinforce our commitment to providing a healthy environment, we are eliminating tobacco products and secondhand smoke exposure at our campus. 

How will the policy be enforced?
If a visitor or patient is seen using a tobacco product, Spalding Regional employees, management and security will ask the individual to quit using the product and inform them of the policy. Visitors will be informed that they will need to leave property to use the tobacco product. If a patient continues to use a tobacco product after being informed of the policy, their physician will be contacted.

Will I be allowed to smoke in my car while it is parked on Spalding Regional property?
No, you will not be allowed to smoke in your car if it is parked on the Spalding Regional campus. 

If I chose to quit, what resources are available?
There are a variety of resources available to people who want to quit using tobacco products.

Freshstart, the American Cancer Society’s stop smoking program, is a two-week course where individuals meet in a group setting to learn techniques and helpful hints to quit. Spalding Regional Medical Center will offer Freshstart program beginning in September 2007.

The Georgia Quit Line (1-877-270-STOP) is a free resource for Georgia residents. Trained counselors advise callers on the quitting process.

There are also nicotine replacement and medication options.  Speak to your doctor about your plans for quitting and for help in deciding what is best for you. 

If I am a patient at Spalding Regional and am a tobacco user, what resources will be available to me?
If you are planning on having a surgery or procedure at Spalding Regional, you can speak to your doctor before being admitted into the hospital about nicotine replacement therapy options. For other patients, your attending physician will assess and discuss the need for nicotine replacement therapy and if necessary, can write an order for a nicotine replacement or smoking cessation agent.