UI Hospitals steps up enforcement of people caught smoking

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has stepped up notice of the no-smoking policy on its campus and enforcement on people caught smoking, officials said today.

Regent Bob Downer, of Iowa City, today during a meeting in Cedar Falls asked how hospital leaders were responding to complaints, which came from a UI faculty member, about people smoking near the hospital despite the ban.

The complaints referred to people smoking in hospital parking ramps, Hospital Chief Executive Officer Ken Kates said.

The hospital recently put up more signs informing visitors of the no-smoking rule. UI Police also are issuing citations to people who continue to smoke after they are warned of the policy, Kates said.

Most people are compliant when told of the no-smoking rule, hospital Spokesman Tom Moore said.