A hospital trust is going completely smoke-free today, with people unable to light up anywhere on the sites' grounds.

To mark No Smoking Day today (March 11), there will be a complete ban on the hospital sites of the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust (BHRUT).

Smoking shelters have been removed, smoke-free ambassadors have been appointed and signage asking people not to light up, have been implemented at King George Hospital in Goodmayes and Queen’s Hospital in Romford.

Since the A Breath of Fresh Air campaign was announced in September last year, a survey found 66 per cent supported a full smoking ban.

The campaign was led by Dr Rob Fowler, a leading respiratory consultant at the trust, which is still in special measures.

Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive of BHRUT, said: “Smoking is a major cause of disease and early death, and second hand smoke inconveniences our patients, staff and visitors.

“We have acted on complaints from staff and patients about people who smoke on our sites.

“The health of our patients and staff is important to us.

“We want to make a difference to help people to lead healthier lives.”