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This column is a new forum for Children's Hospital Boston employees to get answers to questions they have about the hospital. If you have a question about any aspect of the hospital, send it to news@childrens.harvard.edu. We'll ask the appropriate person to answer the most commonly asked questions and print their responses. (You can submit questions anonymously.)
Question: I was wondering why smoking is allowed (or if it's prohibited, why it's not enforced) in front of the hospital near the bus stop. Patients and employees have to walk through there and it's often hard to breathe.
Answer: Children's maintains a smoke-free environment for the health and safety of its employees, staff, patients, families and visitors. All areas of the facility, including the Prouty Garden, building entrances and shuttle stops, are designated as non-smoking unless clearly marked as Smoking. The designated smoking area is located adjacent to 55 Binney Street near the ambulance bay.
The sidewalks, including the intersections along Longwood Avenue and Blackfan (or any city street) are property of the city of Boston. Unfortunately, the city currently does not have a smoking ban, so it is allowed in this area.
It is expected that all employees abide by Children's no smoking policy.
Smokers are reminded that they must use the designated smoking area, or go off hospital property to smoke: We've placed No Smoking signs at many locations such as exterior doors and shuttle stops.
Additionally, Security conducts regular and random patrols of both the interior and exterior of the facility and enforces the No Smoking policy any time they see a violation. We appreciate everyone's assistance in this matter.
Let me take this chance to ask each and every one of you for your help. Employees are encouraged to remind individuals who are smoking outside the designated area of our hospital's policy. Or, you can always call Security.
Thanks for asking!
Henry Tomasuolo
Vice President, Support Services
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