News Seton Family of Hospitals Goes Smoke-Free

Nov. 15, 2007 (Austin, TX) - To symbolize the implementation of a new smoke free campus policy, associates with Seton watched as the smoking gazebo at Brackenridge Hospital, a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals, received a "makeover." Representatives from Seton and the American Cancer Society were on hand to witness the event.

Seton is implementing the smoking ban at all of their patient-care campuses. The change takes effect today, Thursday, Nov. 15, coinciding with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout.

The new policy means that in addition to smoking being off limits within the patient care facilities - as it has been for some time now -- smoking is no longer allowed on any surrounding or adjacent grounds or in parking areas.

"We have an obligation to provide the healthiest environment possible for our associates, physicians, patients, their families and visitors," said Charles J. Barnett, President and Chief Executive Officer, Seton Family of Hospitals. "I am proud that we will now be smoke-free, inside and out."

Seton's ban includes its nine acute facilities in Central Texas- Seton Medical Center Austin, Seton Southwest, Seton Northwest, Brackenridge Hospital, Seton Edgar B. Davis Hospital, Seton Highland Lakes Hospital, Seton Shoal Creek, Seton Medical Center Williamson (opens early 2008) and Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, which pioneered the new policy when it opened in June. Seton also plans to include in the ban its Seton-leased facilities where patient care is provided.

Patricia Young Brown, President and CEO of the Travis County Healthcare District applauds all of the healthcare providers for taking this important next step in protecting the health of our community by sending the message that hospital campuses are about good health. "The first and foremost action that can be taken to improve one's health is to refrain from the use of tobacco products. We know that 70% of current smokers wish to quit, but they need more support to do so. By reducing the percentage of our population that smokes we will improve the community's health overall which can lead us one step closer toward becoming a model healthy community as well as potentially reduce healthcare costs."

Seton hasl been offering smoking cessation educational materials and resource information to patients, their families and visitors - and will continue to do so as the smoke-free policy officially goes into effect. In addition, for employees, free access to smoking cessation courses and nicotine replacement therapy are offered.

Seton also plans to implement this new policy to include Seton's non-patient care leased space by summer 2008.