SMOKING at Milton Keynes Hospital is set to become a thing of the past.

As revealed in this paper two weeks ago patients will be banned from having a cigarette outside the building.

Health bosses voted unanimously last Wednesday for the hospital to become a smoke free site within twelve months.

The hospital already has a no smoking policy inside its buildings but trust board members have decided to extend the ban.

The move follows guidance from the Government’s Health Department Agency (HDA) which believes such a move would protect the health of patients, visitors and staff.

The HDA also said that people smoking at the hospital entrance goes against the image of the NHS.

The hospital currently provides a smoking shelter outside the main entrance, but this is to be scrapped.

“The vote of the board is the first step which will lead to a smoke free hospital,” said Sarah Bright, Director of Service Development at the hospital.

“We will be working with the Smoking Cessation Service from Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust to offer help, advice and information to staff and patients to quit smoking.

“As an organisation responsible for healthcare we have a duty to set an example to other employers.”

As reported last month, Milton Keynes Council is aiming to make the city a smoke free place to live and work by 2008.

About 65,000 people in the city are smokers.