[SheLion]

Are smokers tired of being controlled yet? Over a legal product????

[DieHard the Hunter]

Most hospitals are entirely smoke-free in NZ. That means no smoking tolerated ANYWHERE -- not even in the parking lot.

Been that way for a couple years now.

Last time I was in hospital couple years ago I was a smoker (quit since) and it was a humiliating experience. If you wanted a smoke, you had to find your way to the sidewalk, off hospital property, and congretate with your fellow lepers: some were in hospital gowns, some were in scrubs, some in nurse's uniforms. I suppose it was a great social leveler, but otherwise an unpleasant experience. Which I guess was the intention: we were offered nicoteen patches (I declined).

Social engineering sucks. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[winodog]

Next up : No smoking while driving for you!!

[ilikebiscuits]

I'd bet Tom Karel's a lard ass fatso with astronomical bad cholesterol levels. Oh, at least he doesn't smoke...body fat calipers anyone?

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

"Everyday our staff tell patients who use tobacco to quit," said Bill Rietscha, Vice President of Facilities for Spectrum Health. "We can't say that with credibility while smelling of tobacco ourselves."

Sounds like they actually have a case, unlike the paternalistic bastards who try to make bars and restaurants smoke-free. How can hospital staff nag their patients not to smoke or chew and then set a good example if staffers are smoking or chewing?

[gopheraj]

Hey this is nothing. Cox Hospital in Springfield MO has put a "taboo" on tobacco products on campus for everyone - staff and patients and visitors. You can't do any kind of tobacco - smoke or dip - on the property of Cox. Not outside. Not in the parking lot - nuttin. Doesn't bother me since I don't smoke but it kinda puts a crimp in hubbys Copenhaven use.

[elkfersupper]

I don'tknow about you, but if I'm ever impaled by a 2X4 or something, I'm waiting for a non-smoker to fix me up.