Published on July 2, 2004 at 8:00 AM
Allina Hospitals & Clinics announced today, all its facilities are now tobacco free. This means smoking or the use of tobacco products will not be allowed in the buildings, on the grounds or in parking areas of the hospitals or its owned and leased facilities.
“This is an important health care change,” said Dick Pettingill, CEO Allina Hospitals & Clinics. “ It’s our responsibility as a health care provider, to ensure our patients, visitors and employees have the healthiest environment possible. We need to lead by example.”
The new policy protects everyone working at and visiting its campuses from exposure to tobacco and second-hand smoke. The new policy is being enforced at all Allina facilities in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In addition to the hospitals, Allina has several clinics in the Twin Cities metro area that are also tobacco free.
“When it comes to demonstrating our commitment to good health, this policy is long overdue,” said Brian Anderson, MD, chief medical officer, Allina Hospitals & Clinics. “The health hazards of tobacco use are well known with tobacco use responsible for one in every five deaths. It’s important to be pro-active in our quest to provide a healthy, healing environment.”
Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a non-profit network of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11 hospitals, 42 clinics, hospice services, pharmacies, and emergency medical transportation services.
http://www.allina.com