NEWPORT-As of January 1, 2010, Baptist Hospital of Cocke County will maintain a smoke-free campus.

"This will encompass all areas of the campus inside and out, including the Cocke County Convalescent Center, parking lots, ambulance bay and medical office building entrances," according to BHCC Administrator Dr. Patti Kettermen.

"The new policy will apply to all individuals on the campus," she continued, "including patients, BHCC and BCC associates, visitors, as well as the physicians and employees in the medical office building. Smoking will be limited/restricted to an individual's personal automobile."

In preparation for the adoption and institution of the new policy, BHCC formed a Smoke Free Task Force, who worked to identify and establish workable logistics in the implementation of the new policy and to maintain effective communication with the hospital's associates and members of the community.

A countdown sign at the hospital's entrance reads "Proud to be a Smoke-Free Campus."

"Our medical staff voted unanimously last April to become a smoke-free campus on January 1, 2010," Ketterman said.

Dr. Larry Mathers, who works with Rural Medical Services, praises the hospital's adoption of the new policy. "Since evidence shows significant risks associated with second and third-hand smoke, I feel moving to a smokeless environment will meaningfully benefit not only our patients but also our staff and our patients' families and friends."

In doing so, Ketterman said the staff considered many health issues.

"This initiative," she said, "aimed at enhancing the BHCC environment in order to improve the health of all served by the facility, also prohibits the use of smokeless tobacco products on the Baptist Hospital of Cocke County campus."

The new policy comes after months of preparation. "A primary focus of the campaign has been to prevent harmful effects of secondhand smoke," said Ketterman. "Also, our staff, patients, and others in the community are encouraged to reduce or cease using tobacco."

Ketterman said that since the hospital announced its change in policy, "The positive feedback we have received has been outstanding. We are hoping that this serves as a stimulus for some of our associates to quit smoking."

Plans also call for a "Smoke-Free" celebration next February. "This will be an opportunity to thank our staff and all who work on our campus for their support of this initiative. We also want to say 'Thank you' in advance to the public who visit our campus and utilize our services for supporting this change," Ketterman ended.