Marlborough – Effective Oct. 1, UMass Memorial-Marlborough Hospital has instituted a nicotine-free hiring policy for new employees.
“Hiring nicotine-free employees is part of a larger effort to be a role model in our community by setting a healthy example,” stated Francis Meringolo, vice president of human resources. “Recruiting and hiring employees who practice healthy lifestyle behaviors are extremely important to our organization.”
On Jan. 1, 2011, Marlborough Hospital took a leadership role in the adoption of a smoke/tobacco free hospital and campus.
“We have already positively impacted many people in the areas of health and well-being and our successes have been acknowledged throughout Massachusetts and the country. We are proud of our accomplishments and our leadership role in the community,” stated Steve Roach, president and CEO.
According to the Massachusetts Hospital Association, more than 76 percent of member hospitals now completely ban the use of tobacco products anywhere on their campuses. All hospitals in the UMass Memorial Health Care system which includes UMass Memorial Medical Center, UMass Memorial-Clinton Hospital, UMass Memorial-Health Alliance and Marlborough Hospital, have smoke-free and tobacco-free campuses.