By: Naa Kwarley Quartey, MSc, Research Associate, Patient Education
As of July 1, 2016, the University Health Network (UHN) is a smoke-free environment. This article tells you what this means for patients, visitors, volunteers and staff at UHN.
What is the Smoke-Free Ontario Act?
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act is a law that does not allow smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplace (such as hospitals).
What does the Smoke-Free Ontario Act mean for UHN?
UHN wants to make sure visitors, staff and patients have a safe environment. As such, UHN is a smoke free organization. UHN is made up of 4 hospitals: the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Toronto Rehab Institute. The Smoke Free Ontario Act means patients, visitors, volunteers, students and staff cannot smoke or hold a lit cigarette on any hospital property.
What happens if I am caught smoking on UHN grounds?
Any person caught smoking on hospital grounds can be fined the following:
- $1,000 for a first offence
- $5,000 for any further offence
The hospital will also be fined if someone is caught smoking on hospital grounds. Fines include:
- $100,000 for a first offence
- $300,000 for any further offence
Please note, smoking will be allowed for the purpose of research. Tobacco can also be burned for Aboriginal rituals or spiritual purposes.
Did You Know…?
- The Ontario government spends over $800 million on treating active and passive smokers in hospitals
- Tobacco kills nearly 37,000 Canadians each year
- Second hand smoke can cause other diseases including heart disease and lung cancer
- About 300 non-smokers will die of lung cancer each year
Thinking of Quitting?
If you are looking for support to help you quit smoking, visit
www.uhnsmokefree.ca more information and resources.
