The Health Department wants to stop smoking in enclosed spaces

The plan forms part of the department's policy to provide a smoke-free environment for patients and staff.

Health workers and all but the most critically ill patients will have to go outside to smoke.

But the measure will not apply to those staying in psychiatric or acute awards. Designated areas will be provided outside buildings for smokers to use.

It is expected the department will bring proposals to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces before the States next spring.

On Monday, health professionals began a high-profile island-wide campaign to combat lung cancer.

It is rated as the top cancer killer in the island. Some 55 people have been diagnosed with the disease this year and half of them have since died.