Smokers are to be banned from puffing away at Darent Valley Hospital – and that includes vapers too.

Staff are already prohibited from smoking within hospital grounds but the ban will be extended to patients and visitors from October 2.

A smoking shelter will be taken away, and officers and volunteers will enforce the new rules, advising those who do light up to put it out.

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While many will welcome the move, some who defend their right to smoke will be upset with the change.

The hospital wants create a healthy environment for visitors and patients following complaints about the effects of on-site smokers.

Although there are signs around the hospital grounds requesting those who do wish to smoke to use the designated area, people do not always follow the rule with many sparking up outside the hospital entrance.

It leaves visitors with no choice but to walk through clouds of smoke and dumped cigarette butts, passively breathing in the fumes.

The hospital is offering to refer those who would usually smoke in the grounds to a stop smoking service, helping people to give up the habit.

E-cigarettes and vaping will also be banned as there is not enough evidence to prove they are a healthy replacement.

Luisa Viegas, a respiratory nurse at Darent Valley, said: “Smoking is an addictive habit with terminal consequences to your health.

VIDEO: Respiratory nurse Luisa Viegas speaks at Darent Valley Hospital. Video by Emma Rae Woodhouse

"As staff of the hospital we have a responsibility to act as role models and promote a healthy lifestyle.”

The hospital’s chief executive, Susan Acott, who made the decision to enforce the policy, said: “We understand how difficult it can be for people to give up when they have smoked for many years and so we are publicising our smoke free message well in advance.

“As the local hospital and part of the community I feel that we have a responsibility to lead by example and to encourage, help and communicate healthier life choices to our staff, patients and visitors.

“We see the effects of smoking-related illness every day at Darent Valley and with the support of the public, we hope to make this hospital a better, cleaner and healthier environment for everybody.”

For free support and advice on how to quit smoking call 0300 123 1220; text QUIT to 87023 or visit www.oneyoukent.org.uk.