Effective May 31, 2011,
Harborview and
UW Medical Center will implement a campus-wide, smoke-free policy in order to improve the health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors.
Under this policy, everyone is prohibited from using tobacco products anywhere—inside or outside—on medical center campuses or facilities, including the parking lots, garages and grounds.
Both hospitals will join more than half of
King County hospitals that are already smoke-free. Groups including the
Partnership for Prevention encourage hospitals and health systems in the United States to contribute to the public’s health by making tobacco cessation a priority.
We realize that this can be difficult for those who are dependent upon tobacco products. As a patient, you will be asked about your tobacco use when you are admitted to the medical center.
Your healthcare team will be available to support you by providing nicotine replacement products during your stay and resources for smoking cessation if you would like to quit.
We also respectfully request that visitors and family members comply with this policy. Our staff will direct you to nicotine replacement products, as needed. Please do not trespass on neighboring properties in order to smoke or use tobacco products.
Thank you for your cooperation with this policy and for helping to maintain a healthier environment for everyone.