JRMC Expands Smoke-Free Surgical Policy for Enhanced Patient and Staff Safety

JAMESTOWN — Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has expanded its smoke-free surgical policy into the specialty clinic, ensuring harmful surgical smoke is captured and removed before it reaches patients or staff.

The Stryker Smoke Evacuation surgical pencil eliminates the plume generated when tissue is cauterized. Surgical smoke exposure is known to be hazardous, so this safety measure protects not only patients but also nurses and providers from potential health risks.
When a staff member reached out asking about the possibility of a smoke-free clinic, JRMC Specialty Clinic Manager Mercede Fiebiger immediately took action.

“Patients may not immediately notice a change in their care, but they probably will notice the absence of the unpleasant odor that comes from burning tissue,” Fiebiger said. “For staff, this change demonstrates JRMC’s commitment to creating the safest possible workplace. Reducing exposure to surgical smoke benefits everyone in the room.”

Currently, the OB-GYN clinic is the only specialty at JRMC that routinely performs procedures in the clinic requiring cauterization. The addition of this technology not only strengthens safety in women’s health but also establishes the specialty clinic as a fully smoke-free environment.

Finalizing this initiative was made possible by community contributions through the JRMC Foundation’s Golf FORE Good scramble, demonstrating the direct impact of local support on patient and staff safety.

“This decision was easy. It’s a simple step with a major impact,” Fiebiger said. “Making the specialty clinic smoke-free aligns with our commitment to patient and employee well-being.”

For more information about the JRMC Specialty Clinic and OB-GYN services, visit jrmcnd.com or call (701) 952-4878.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center Expands Smoke-Free Surgical Policy to Specialty Clinic

JAMESTOWN — In a significant move towards enhancing patient and staff safety, Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has officially expanded its smoke-free surgical policy to include its specialty clinic. This initiative aims to capture and eliminate harmful surgical smoke generated during procedures, ensuring a healthier environment for both patients and healthcare providers.

The introduction of the Stryker Smoke Evacuation surgical pencil marks a pivotal step in this initiative. This advanced technology effectively removes the plume created when tissue is cauterized, a process known to pose health risks. By implementing this safety measure, JRMC is not only safeguarding patients but also protecting nurses and other medical staff from potential exposure to hazardous smoke.

Mercede Fiebiger, the Specialty Clinic Manager, responded swiftly to a staff member’s inquiry about establishing a smoke-free clinic. “Patients may not immediately notice a change in their care, but they probably will notice the absence of the unpleasant odor that comes from burning tissue,” Fiebiger stated. “For staff, this change demonstrates JRMC’s commitment to creating the safest possible workplace. Reducing exposure to surgical smoke benefits everyone in the room.”

Currently, the OB-GYN clinic is the only specialty at JRMC that routinely performs procedures requiring cauterization. The integration of this technology not only enhances safety in women’s health but also solidifies the specialty clinic as a fully smoke-free environment.

This initiative was made possible through generous community contributions from the JRMC Foundation’s Golf FORE Good scramble, highlighting the vital role local support plays in improving patient and staff safety.

“This decision was easy. It’s a simple step with a major impact,” Fiebiger added. “Making the specialty clinic smoke-free aligns with our commitment to patient and employee well-being.”

For more information about the JRMC Specialty Clinic and OB-GYN services, visit jrmcnd.com or call (701) 952-4878.