UPMC says no immediate smoking changes in Altoona
PITTSBURGH (AP) – A University of Pittsburgh Medical Center official said there will be no immediate change to the smoking policy of the Altoona Regional Health System following its acquisition by UMPC.
Starting last fall, Altoona stopped hiring smokers as part of a tightening of its anti-smoking policy to include a prohibition of tobacco products on the grounds of the health system.
UPMC also bars tobacco products from its grounds but the organization continues to hire smokers. In mid-2014, it will bar tobacco use throughout employee work shifts.
Greg Peaslee, UPMC chief human resources and administrative services officer, told The (Altoona) Mirror there will be no immediate changes at Altoona.
And he said policies at the parent company have changed in the past based on experiences at an affiliate.