Norwood Hospital has joined hospitals across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by going 100% smoke-free throughout the campus, effective October 1, 2014. The new policy prohibits use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, on the Norwood Hospital campus as well as satellite locations.

As the primary healthcare provider in the greater Norwood area, the hospital seeks to create an environment that minimizes health risk and supports behaviors that contribute to the optimal health and well-being of employees, patients, their families and the community at large.

“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. Additionally, secondhand smoke is a proven cause of cancer and can worsen symptoms of pulmonary conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis,” says Norwood Hospital president Emily Holliman. “Norwood maintains a high incidence of tobacco use and tobacco-related cancers, so as the community’s most significant healthcare provider, it is important that we make every effort to improve these statistics.”

Norwood Hospitals is sponsoring a smoking-cessation program free to employees and the community. For more information about upcoming sessions, contact Norwood Hospital Community Benefits at 781-278-6024.

About Norwood Hospital
Norwood Hospital is a full-service, 263-bed community hospital for adults and children with a focus on delivering world-class health care along with the latest advances in technology and treatment options. Norwood Hospital is part of the Steward Health Care System LLC, the largest integrated community care organization in New England which combines over 3,000 physicians, 10 acute care hospitals, managed care, insurance programs, home care, an imaging operation, and a number of other post-acute services, to provide the most cost effective and highest quality of integrated patient care. Additional information is available at www.norwood-hospital.org