Dryden hospital decides against smoking ban

The board of directors of the Dryden Regional Health Centre have decided not to pursue a smoking ban. The hospital's CEO Wade Petranik says the board decided against the ban to respect patient rights and because of concerns about the enforcement of the ban. The decision runs contrary to the hospital's advisory board recommendation in favour of a ban. Petranik says the hospital will continue to encourage individuals to stop smoking through various programs. Currently, smoking is allowed in a outdoor courtyard at the hospital.