Hospital bans smoking for workers

All ashtrays and cigarette ends have been removed from the grounds

The next steps towards making a hospital completely smoke-free have been taken with a major clean-up.

From this weekend, staff at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals have been banned from smoking anywhere on the premises.

The move has been taken to show that the hospital workers are "leading by example", said NHS bosses.

Cleaners spent the week removing all ashtrays and the area used by smokers has been closed off for a facelift.

Many members of staff were given help to give up ahead of the ban brought in on Saturday.

Belinda Atkinson, director of nursing, said: "As an NHS organisation it is up to us to lead by example and it is important for our patients, staff and visitors to know that when they are coming into our hospitals they are coming into a cleaner and safer environment which will benefit everyone."