Flame-activated alarms will ask smokers to stub out their cigarette

Flame-activated talking alarms are being installed at the entrances to the hospitals which became smoke-free zones in March 2006.

Hospital bosses said there had been a significant decrease in the number of people lighting up.

But it was hoped the new alarms would persuade the few diehards to comply.

New approach

Sally Pearson, Director of Clinical Strategy said: "We know that there is a small number of people who are continuing to smoke on our grounds despite our signs and attempts from our staff to encourage them to stop.

"We also know there is a particular problem around the entrances to our hospitals and as a consequence we've continued to look at new ways of enforcing the ban, of which the talking alarms play a part."

Chronic asthmatic Jane Williamson, 59, said: "If I have to go past people who are smoking my chest tightens up, I lose my voice and I become very tired.

"I like the idea of the talking alarms. Anything that can catch people's attention and make them aware of the ban is a good thing."