June 23, 2008

Dear Crozer-Keystone Physician,

Crozer-Keystone Health System is proud to become completely smoke-free on July 4, 2008.  All tobacco use will be prohibited in or around all buildings and campuses, in the visual periphery of all buildings, campuses and leased properties, and in vehicles parked on or in the visual periphery of CKHS property. 

As a provider of healthcare to many of our employees and other members of our community, we’re counting on you and your staff to assist us in implementing this change in the following ways:

ü       Ensure that your staff is aware of the change and of the resources that are available to help those who smoke to quit or to get through the work day without a cigarette.  Refer to Attachments A  and B.

ü       Tell your patients about the health system’s new policy.  Refer to Attachment C.  Ask your staff to hang the attached poster and to set up the enclosed smoke-free table tent in your patient waiting area.

ü       Continue to educate and assist persons who are addicted to tobacco, each time you interact with a patient.  We strongly encourage you to discuss smoking cessation options, including group programs, nicotine replacement therapy, and prescription medications with your patients who smoke or use tobacco products.  Refer to Attachments D, E, and F.

ü       Discuss our smoke-free Policy with any patient who has a scheduled inpatient stay, or, if the patient is not a scheduled admission, as soon as possible after admission.   Let him/her know that medication will be available to help the patient to handle nicotine cravings while he/she is an inpatient.

ü       Prescribe the appropriate nicotine replacement therapy or smoking cessation medications for those inpatients that may need assistance.  Refer to Attachment G.

We‘re pleased to work together to provide a healthier environment for all.  A summary of the Attachments is included on the next page.  For additional information, please contact Susan Winkles, Benefits Manager, at 610-595-6387 or 19*6387.

Sincerely,

Joan K. Richards

President and Chief Executive Officer