HOSPITALS and health trust-run facilities across Northern Ireland will go completely smoke-free from Wedesday.
The move coincides with No Smoking Day, and means that smoking will not be allowed by staff, patients, contractors or visitors on any healthcare premises, including the grounds of hospitals.
It comes almost a decade after a smoking ban was introduced in the workplace, in bars and on public transport.
NHS staff will be responsible for 'policing' the ban and training has been given to thousands of workers, from frontline doctors to support and administration staff.
The Public Health Agency said information on support to quit smoking is available at www.want2stop.info.
