A hospital trust has banned smoking across all four of its hospital sites.

Whipps Cross Hospital, owned by Bart Health NHS Trust, will go smoke free from Thursday (October 1).

Previously, staff, patients and visitors were able to smoke anywhere outside of the buildings, but will now be asked to go beyond the boundary line if they want to smoke or use electronic cigarettes.

It will be enforced by security guards and staff, and anyone seen smoking will be told to put it out and to leave the site should they continue smoking.

The aim is to tackle tobacco addition and create a healthier environment for all that visit and work at the Leytonstone hospital.

Bart's other hospital's, The Royal London, St Bartholomew's Hospital and Newham University Hospital will also go smoke free from Thursday.

Director of public health at Barts, Dr Ian Basnett, said: "People are asked to respect and support the Trust's aims by not smoking on trust grounds.

"Please make sure you look for signs that will tell you the hospital boundaries.

"Staff have been asked to play their part in making our sites smoke free by asking colleagues, visitors and patients to stop smoking, vaping or charging electronic cigarettes on Trust premises.

"If you are approached by a member of staff or security, please remember that they are helping to ensure a healthier environment for all."

From October 1, hospital staff will also be recording patients' smoking status, and with their consent, referring them to their nearest support centre within four days of seeing their clinician.