HOSPITAL workers in East Kent are being urged to set a good example when it comes to smoking.

When smoking was originally banned in hospital buildings, staff who wanted to smoke used to stand outside the main doors. They were then told they could not smoke within the hospital grounds.

Now, the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust’s new chief executive, Professor Stuart Bain, has told them he does not want them smoking in the streets while wearing their uniforms.

The trust covers Buckland Hospital in Dover, Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone, the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent and Canterbury Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

"As healthcare professionals we should be setting examples to our communities about ways in which they can improve their health and avoid serious illness," he said.

"We should not appear to be saying ‘do as I say and not as I do’.

"Please do not smoke in the streets around the hospitals wearing uniform.

"We do have a uniform policy and I would like to ask all who are in supervisory positions to make sure that those who report to you follow its guidance.

"I also want to ask those of you who do smoke in the streets around the hospitals to be aware of our neighbours."

He said that in Canterbury, some people living near the hospital had started a petition to the Government asking for the law to be changed because they were "upset and angry" at the way some hospital workers throw their litter, cigarette ends, bottles or wrapping paper, into their gardens or on the street outside their homes.

"If you do go outside to smoke in your authorised breaks then please be aware that you are representing the hospital to members of the public and make sure you bring your rubbish back with you.

"This kind of anti-social behaviour damages the reputation of the Trust and we do have a social obligation to our neighbours."

Professor Bain is encouraging staff who want to give up the habit to contact the stop smoking service for free help and support on 0800 849 4444.