Patients who smoke are to be banned from lighting up in Medway Hospital grounds.

Unlike many other hospitals that have prohibited smoking from all areas, Medway has allowed the activity in designated areas.

But from October 17, the site in Windmill Road will become smoke-free meaning all patients, visitors and staff will not be able to smoke in the buildings, hospital grounds and car parks.

The ban was introduced in 2006, but in 2012 the hospital applied for permission to build smoking shelters as it could not stop people from smoking.

Shelters costing £8,000 were installed controversially following “numerous complaints” about smokers around the site.

Chief executive Lesley Dwyer said: “There can be no doubt that smoking has a negative impact on health and as a healthcare provider it is important that we lead by example. That’s why I and the vast majority of our staff believe that going smoke-free is absolutely the right way forward.

“Our role is to care for people at their most vulnerable in a safe environment. By not allowing smoking on our site we are helping to protect patients, visitors and staff from the harmful effects of smoking.

“I do appreciate that hospitals by their very nature can be stressful places and that people may experience emotions that make them feel the need to smoke, however I hope that the public will support this initiative and help to make the hospital a better, healthier place for all.”

The hospital said it would be introducing extra security to enforce the ban and anyone caught smoking would be spoken to. There are no plans to fine those who light up in the grounds.

The trust is working with Medway Council to offer support to patients, visitors and staff to help them stop smoking.

This will include free nicotine replacement therapy to patients, support for staff and advice for visitors from Medway Council’s Stop Smoking Service.

Respiratory consultant Dr Kolera Chengappa said: “I treat people every day who have medical conditions caused by smoking – that’s why I fully support the trust’s plans to go smoke-free.”