SMOKING and vaping is set to be banned from Basingstoke Hospital. 

From October 1, Hampshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will become smoke-free across its sites.

The move comes after The Gazette reported earlier this year how the father of a newborn complained at the volume of smokers lingering around the entrance to Basingstoke Hospital. 

Chris Pearson, from Kempshott, was disgusted when his son Joshua's first breaths were inhaling second-hand smoke.  

Chief executive Alex Whitfield said: “Going smoke-free will mean a more pleasant and safe environment for everyone who uses or works in our hospitals and it is a step we are taking as part of our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our staff, patients and visitors.

“It will protect people, particularly vulnerable patients such as newborn babies and people with respiratory problems, from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke on the way into and out of our hospitals.

“As a major employer and provider of hospital services to people across Hampshire, we have a responsibility to help reduce smoking and, in turn, the serious illnesses related to it.

“We will be providing lots of additional support to help people stop smoking as part of the programme, so we hope that this initiative will also help to reduce smoking.”