TALKING signs have gone up at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital to remind smokers to stub it out.

New signs have been put in place at the main entrances of both hospitals to reinforce the message that smoking is banned.

The signs are triggered by movement and issue a welcome – along with a reminder about the no smoking policy across all hospital buildings and grounds.

The sites – run by Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust – have been smoke-free since October last year.

Hospital bosses now hope the smokefree legislation introduced on July 1 will encourage more smokers to respect the rules.

Mark Partington, the trust’s director of operations, said: “We aim to provide clean, fresh air for all our patients, staff and visitors, not just in all our buildings but in our grounds as well.

“No-one entering a hospital site, which delivers health care to the local community, should be exposed to the effects of second-hand smoke.

“The latest measures are intended to help make sure the message gets across and we thank everyone who has stubbed out their cigarettes before coming on to hospital grounds for their continuing support.”

Hospital staff have also been asked to be vigilant and spend time reminding people of the no smoking policy.

Banners have been displayed outside both hospitals since the trust went smoke-free last year.

Before the new policy was brought in smoking was the single most frequent source of visitors’ complaints.

Advice for anyone who wants to quit smoking is available from hospital staff . Also, nicotine replacement products are sold in shops at both hospitals.