The decision follows a consultation last October which showed the majority of staff, public and patients believed smoking should be banned from the site.

Director of administration Brenda Hennessy said about half of the smokers surveyed also said if smoking was banned it would help them to quit.

The entire site, including the grounds, will become smoke-free on 8 March, national No Smoking Day.

"As a leading hospital we have a duty to promote health, and we are playing our part by helping to create a healthier and more pleasant atmosphere for everyone who uses the hospital or the site," Ms Hennessy said.

The hospital is a national and regional centre for cancer services, liver transplants, organ transplantation, neurosciences and genetics.