PLANS to stop patients and visitors smoking outside the entrance to the Alexandra Hospital are being drawn up following a number of complaints.

The move comes as part of a £105,000 revamp of the hospital's main entrance and reception area.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, is currently investigating and reviewing its smoking policy.

Trust board member Colin Beardwood said: "We have been concerned about the amount of smoking which takes place outside the Alexandra Hospital's front entrance for a long time.

"Obviously we realise there are a lot of people who do not want to be told they can't smoke so we are looking at how to provide proper provision for smokers."

Last year, the trust got rid of a smoking room for hospital staff and held many drives to help both staff and patients kick the habit.

Mr Beardwood said: "The review is being done in two parts.

"First off, we are looking at how we can help and support people to give up smoking.

"And secondly we have asked the personnel department at the hospital to look at how the entrance can be improved so there are not people there hanging about smoking, dropping cigarette ends.

"It is one of the main things people complain about."

Mr Beardwood said alternatives such as a courtyard or a dedicated smoking room were being investigated.

He said: "The problem with putting a smoking room on one floor of the hospital is that patients and visitors will want one on the other floors too."