Residents can expect to see a lot more "smoke-free" signs posted around Chatham-Kent hospitals in the coming weeks.
Starting January 1, 2018, residents will not be able to smoke on hospital property, which includes the existing smoking shelters, parking lots, and bus shelters.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance says smoking of any kind will not be allowed at either of their locations in Chatham and Wallaceburg.
"This new provincial legislation helps protect our patients, families, visitors, staff, and the public from the hazards of second-hand smoke," said President and CEO Lori Marshall in a media release. "As health care providers, we at CKHA fully support this direction and will introduce the necessary policies and supports to implement this change."
Hospital security guards will be enforcing the "no smoking" policies and can issue a ticket for anyone caught smoking on the hospital's property. Fines can range anywhere from $175 - $5,000.
Once the legislation comes into play, the hospital is anticipating that visitors will go off-property to smoke. However, they're asking that people respect the neighbouring residents and their property.