Winnipeg Regional Health is committed to creating healthy environments for patients, clients, visitors and staff.  As an organization that cares for the health and well being of individuals, it is our duty to protect people from the dangers of tobacco smoke.

The Winnipeg Health Region has refreshed its Smoke-Free Policy to help protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. In addition, the City of Winnipeg passed a new Outdoor Smoking By-law (62/2011) on May 25, which prohibits smoking anywhere on our property and within eight meters of any entrance.

We will be reminding staff, patients and visitors that smoking is not allowed anywhere on the grounds of Winnipeg Health Region-funded facilities. Security officers will increase their attention to the Policy and By-law and continue to remind people found smoking on property to either extinguish their cigarette or move off property to finish the cigarette.

We are also dedicated to supporting staff and patients who are struggling to quit smoking. There are resources available through the health region, both for our patients and for our staff.

To benefit their own recovery and to respect the health of others, the Winnipeg Health Region strongly recommends patients be smoke-free during their hospitalization. Nicotine replacement therapy (e.g. nicotine gum or patch) is available to support smokers during their hospital stay.