NORTHEAST OHIO Hospitals ban smoking, even outside

The hospitals are offering programs to help employees who want to quit.
AKRON (AP) -- Two Northeast Ohio hospitals are banning smoking anywhere on their property -- even in outdoor areas where most hospitals allow tobacco use.
Anti-smoking groups say the Cleveland Clinic and Doctors Hospital in Massillon join a small but growing group of hospitals across the nation that are banning smoking in all areas.
The Cleveland Clinic's new policy goes into effect July 4, to be followed by Doctors Hospital's ban Nov. 1.
"It's very difficult for us to say we're focusing on health and wellness when smoking is permitted, and we know it's the leading preventable cause of death," said Janie Sinacore-Jaberg, chief executive of Doctors Hospital.
Across the country, hospitals have limited smoking to designated areas outside their facilities.
At least 115 of the nation's 5,754 hospitals ban smoking everywhere on their campuses, including in buildings, outdoor areas and parking lots, according to the Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, a nonprofit group that advocates smoke-free workplaces.
"Hospitals have really taken the next step in trying to further their health mission," said Josh Alpert, the group's program manager.
Difficulties
Stress experienced by workers and patients makes banning cigarettes complicated.
"Many patients, if they're hospitalized, they're very stressed," said Cathy Ceccio, chief operating officer of Akron General Medical Center. Ceccio said some doctors are supportive of such bans, while other physicians acknowledge the risks but say smoking is an outlet for relieving stress.
Several other Ohio hospitals, including Akron General, Akron Children's Hospital, Barberton Citizens Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Canton, are exploring whether to adopt tobacco bans on their campuses.
Enforcing smoking bans can be difficult, especially for large hospitals with sprawling campuses, said Rick Wade, spokesman for the American Hospital Association.
At the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Delos "Toby" Cosgrove started pushing for smoking bans at all of the health system's 37 locations in Ohio and Florida shortly after taking over as chief executive last fall.
The clinic, renowned for its cardiac care, says a quarter of its employees smoke.
Visitors or patients who smoke on hospital property after July 4 will be given a packet with information about the ban, a map of the hospital campus and coupons for stop-smoking aids, Calman said.
Help for employees
For employees who want to quit, the clinic is offering free support classes and a two-month supply of nicotine patches.
At Doctors Hospital, committees of smokers and nonsmokers are developing plans to help employees, patients and visitors make the transition.