As of July 1, UHN is a smoke-free environment. This means the smoking of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes on UHN-owned grounds is prohibited.
This initiative serves two purposes: to create smoke-free grounds and support those who are looking to quit with cessation resources.
UHN's smoke-free policy applies to employees, medical staff, volunteers, patients, visitors, learners and subcontractors.
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How can I help keep UHN smoke-free?
Security will be conducting walkabouts of the grounds, but everyone has a role to play in ensuring compliance with smoke-free grounds.
The priority is to inform people of the policy, not to enforce. Individuals are not responsible or expected to ensure a smoker puts out their cigarette or walks off the property.
City by-law officers will be inspecting to ensure compliance with the law and failure to comply carries significant fines to both the individual and the institution ($1,000 - $5,000 for individuals, and $100,000 - $300,000 for the institution).
*Note: There will be temporary, designated smoking areas for Toronto Rehab's Lyndhurst and Bickle sites to accommodate these patient populations until a longer-term plan is in place in the next few months.
Helpful tips
- Come from a place of care and support.
- Presume the best. The person may not know about the policy.
- Be calm and friendly.
- If you feel comfortable, let individuals know there are smoking cessation resources available at UHN and in the community. Direct them to our website for more information
www.uhnsmokefree.ca.
- If the person asks where they can smoke, inform them UHN's smoke-free policy does not apply to public property – provided they remain nine metres away from any entrance or exit.
- If facing hostility, don't escalate the situation. Simply walk away.
