Llano hospital bans smoking on property

LLANO, Texas (KXAN) - Smoking has been prohibited at all Llano Memorial Hospital facilities. The Llano Memorial Healthcare System initiated the tobacco-free policy on Nov. 20, the date designated by the American Cancer Society as The Great American Smokeout. No tobacco use of any kind will be permitted whether it is inside or outside the property.

"Tobacco use in and around hospitals poses health and safety risks for patients, employees and visitors," said Linda Meredith, chief operating officer for LMHS.

The hospital had allowed smoking since they opened their doors in 1957. The outdoor smoking areas that were designated for visitors, staff and patients have been turned into clean-air courtyards.