Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC), a regional leader in patient safety and quality care, has expanded its smoke-free surgical policy into the specialty clinic. Building on technology introduced in the operating room in summer 2024, JRMC now ensures 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 essential 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,” said Fiebiger. “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 — setting a new standard for outpatient care.
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.”