Wyoming Medical Center will be completely tobacco-free this summer, joining 16 other hospitals in the state with similar regulations.

Hospital buildings have been tobacco-free for years, but administrators are now expanding the policy to all hospital grounds and parking lots. All current designated smoking areas outside the hospital will be removed, the hospital announced at a recent board meeting.

The hospital wanted to change its smoking policy "to reduce the dangers from second-hand smoke and to promote a healthy lifestyle," according to a memorandum sent Wednesday to all Wyoming Medical Center employees and volunteers.

The change will be effective July 1, according to Chief Executive Officer Vickie Diamond.

An employee committee is discussing how to help tobacco users transition to the new policy, she said. Any employee who wants to quit smoking will have access to free cessation programs, including medication, counseling and support groups.

The hospital wants to provide nicotine patches and other nicotine replacements to patients in the hospital. Diamond said a hospital stay can be more difficult if a patient experiences nicotine withdrawal.

Shauna VanderLinden, spokeswoman for the hospital, said the hospital is working on the details of the policy changes, such as how to enforce it and what they can tell patients and their families about smoking.

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.