Michelle DaCruz
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 19/02) - There will be no smoking allowed at all nine entrances to Stanton Regional Hospital as of Saturday.

"It was a problem for the non-smoking public to have to walk into the hospital," said Kerry Beauchamp, manager of physical services at the hospital.

Signs and bright blue painted lines will indicate the smoke-free zone at each door.

The decision had been on administration's agenda for about a month, but the actual date of the policy was delayed due to the time it took to order the signage, said Beauchamp.

Hospital staff will also have to follow the policy.

"I don't think it will be a problem for them," said Beauchamp. "It is only a few feet from where they smoke now."