Despite steps being taken to reduce an outbreak of swine flu, concerns linger over access to sanitizers, masks and other flu-fighting gear. (CBC)

Some Manitoba medical clinics are pulling magazines and children's toys from patient waiting areas to prevent the spread of swine flu.

The decision comes following a recommendation from Manitoba Health in June.

One Winnipeg clinic stripped its waiting area since the H1N1 virus first emerged in the spring.

Dr. Darcy Johnson said Wednesday there's been no backlash from patients over the move.

"They understand the reason for it. I'm sure the kids miss the toys, but that's OK," Johnson said, adding the clinic's stark waiting room may become a permanent feature.

Johnson said even more is being done to combat a swine flu outbreak this fall.

"We have some masks to give out to people. If they have serious coughs, we'll often send them out to the parking lot and bring them back in," Johnson said.

He admits removing patients from the clinic prior to treatment is impractical come winter time.

Johnson said he's more concerned about the length of time some clinics are waiting to get access to flu-fighting supplies like extra gloves, masks, sanitizers and anti-viral drugs.

He said he'd like to be able to treat people in-house, rather than have them attend pharmacies where they could infect other people.