The HSE West will 'rigorously police' the no-smoking ban at its campuses at University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park Hospital.

The smoke free campus policy at the city's two public hospitals began today.

It means that patients, visitors and staff are no longer allowed to smoke anywhere on hospital grounds including bus shelters, car parks and internal roads.

Exemptions for patients in certain circumstances will be granted, but only after intervention from a hospital consultant.