Smoking has now been banned outside both Leeds General Infirmary and St James's Hospital - but campaigners have argued the decision to be 'cruel and unnecessary'.
The rules have been made effectively immediately, with people no longer be able to smoke anywhere on the hospital grounds, including the outdoor areas.
They have been implemented at both aforementioned hospitals, as well as Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds Dental Institute, Seacroft Hospital and Wharfedale Hospital.
As well as being told that smoking will be strictly prohibited, people have also been urged not to "be rude" to staff when asked not to smoke on hospital grounds.
A statement for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We are Smoke Free LTHT!
"From today, smoking is not permitted on any of our hospital sites - both inside and outside. Please do not be rude to our staff if they ask you not to smoke on our hospital grounds.
"They do it because they care and we’re trying to maintain an environment that is supportive of everyone’s health."
And whilst the announcement has been overwhelmingly met with positive responses, some have argued against this decision.
Campaigners of the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest) criticised the move as "cruel and unnecessary".
Simon Clark, director of the smokers' group Forest, said: "Banning smoking on hospital grounds, including all outdoor areas, is cruel and unnecessary.
"Smoking in the open air does not threaten anyone else's health and many smokers take comfort from a cigarette, especially in stressful situations.
"A fairer solution would be to provide sheltered smoking areas away from hospital entrances but not so far away that it discriminates against the elderly and the infirm.
"Instead the Trust has put smoke free ideology ahead of common sense and compassion."
Hundreds of people left their reaction to the announcement across social media.
Former NHS nurse Sarah Clayton said: "Whilst I do feel it may be slightly unfair, it's not difficult to just walk out of the hospital grounds. It is a hospital, where lives are being saved.
"If you really want a cigarette then you can easily just walk away to have one. This is clearly a sensible decision, especially amidst these times."
