Henrico Doctors’ Hospital To Go Tobacco-Free November 19, 2009

Forest, Parham and Retreat Campuses Will All Go Tobacco-Free

Richmond, VA, June 24, 2009 – In keeping with its commitment to improve the overall health of the community, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital recently announced its intention to adopt a tobacco-free policy for its campuses. This policy will include all three Henrico Doctors’ Hospital campuses, Forest, Parham and Retreat and will encompass physicians, employees, patients, visitors, vendors and volunteers. While the interior of all of these facilities have been smoke-free for some time, the new policy will expand to include the exterior grounds and all tobacco products.

"We believe that we have a mandate to provide the healthiest environment possible for our patients, staff and community as a whole," said Pat Farrell, CEO of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. "This policy change aids in our continuing mission to improve the health status of our community. We appreciate the support of our staff, physicians, patients and community health advocates as we make this transition."

There are currently several designated smoking areas on both campuses, but beginning this week, signage will be posted noting the new policy to take effect November 19, 2009, in conjunction with the Great American Smoke Out. While employees who smoke will not be required to quit tobacco use, many services are available for those who may choose to take advantage of this opportunity to do so. The pharmacies located at the Forest and Parham campuses will provide an employee discount of 20% on all smoking cessation products and free support groups and classes are available to employees.

“The American Lung Association of the Atlantic Coast applauds Henrico Doctors’ Hospital’s decision to make its campuses smoke free”, says Melina Davis-Martin, President and CEO. “Smoking kills more people each year than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, murder and suicides combined - killing more than 9,000 Virginians each year. The decision sends a clear message to the community that Henrico Doctors’ Hospital makes the health of their staff and patients a priority.”

“We applaud Henrico Doctors’ Hospital for making their campuses smoke-free. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard. Even the Surgeon General has stated that there is no risk-free level of exposure,” said Cathleen Grzesiek, Director of Governmental Relations for the American Heart Association and Co-Chair of Virginians for a Healthy Future. “Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has taken a great step towards protecting the health of their workers, patients and members of their community.”

About Henrico Doctors’ Hospital
Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, with campuses at 1602 Skipwith Road (Forest Campus), 7700 E. Parham Road (Parham Campus), and 2621 Grove Avenue (Retreat Hospital), is a 767-bed acute-care hospital offering state-of-the-art medical technology in a community hospital setting. Part of the HCA Virginia Health System, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital was named one of HealthGrades “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” in 2007 and 2008. The Cancer Center at HDH is accredited by the American College of Surgeons with ten commendations. HDH is a national leader in kidney transplants and robotic surgery.  In addition, Henrico Doctors’ recently opened The Orthopaedic Hospital, a new state-of-the-art facility on its Parham Campus. For more information on Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, visit us at www.hcarichmond.com and click on Henrico Doctors’ Hospital.