NEW rules banning smoking at Worcestershire’s three major hospitals have received a mixed reaction from readers of your Worcester News.

As of last Wednesday, June 17, patients and visitors are banned from lighting up anywhere at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Kidderminster Hospital and Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital.

Although smoking had previously been restricted to designated shelters at the three sites, the rules were frequently flaunted and it was not uncommon to see smokers outside the entrances to the hospitals.

But the shelters have now been dismantled and eye-catching signs have been placed around the three hospitals reminding patients and visitors of the ban, while staff have been instructed to ask anyone they see smoking to stub it out.

Many Worcester News readers took to Facebook to welcome the new rules.

Claire Fisher said: “Glad they have banned it...people going in hospital with breathing problems shouldn't be around smoke as this could worsen there problems...and people who smoke themselves should really no better not to smoke by the hospital front doors it wasn't on!! This has been a long time coming and thank god it has actually came into place a lot of people will be pleased with this news.”

Clare Louise Perry agreed, saying: “About time! Nothing worse than bringing a new born baby through it, or a child who is very asthmatic...... Just wish they'd ban it in ALL public places!” and Georgia Robinson wrote: “Finally... It's about time. It's a hospital for goodness sake.... And the designated smoking area clearly didn't work so I'm really pleased!”

But others were less in favour of the ban, with Richard Gwynfryn Morris saying: “Why don't people using the hospital concentrate on getting better rather than bemoaning the odd stressed out persons highly diluted waft of smoke in the open air?!? I have smelt far worse things on a hospital ward”.

Meanwhile Amanda Paxton wrote: “There are thousands of germs in and around hospitals – its where people with illnesses go! Are they going to ban the sick people too just in case you pick up a harmful illness whilst you're there?! Are they going to ban drunks who vomit everywhere and cause trouble?! Are they going to ban the people with body odour problems for stinking the place out!? Are they going to ban swearing in front of kids!? Are they going to ban rude people with no manners!? Different things annoy different people!”

Others said they believed the ban was being flaunted already.

Martin Lister said: “Doesn't work though. I was there today. Many people were smoking as soon as they were outside the doors and we're walking towards their cars, or sitting on a seat.” while Jim Lowden wrote: “I was there today and saw at least 8 smokers...two of them smoking while they watched the shelter being taken down!”

Staff at the three hospitals have been banned from smoking since last year.