The sight of pregnant women smoking in the doorways of Dublin maternity hospitals will now be a thing of the past.

The capital's three maternity hospitals - the Coombe, the Rotunda and the National Maternity Hospital (Holles Street) - are now completely smoke-free. This includes entrances, doorways and car parks.

Cigarette bins were removed from the three hospitals on October 31 and all smoking shelters are to be dismantled or converted for alternative use.

"Smoking causes so much disease and heartache. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to join together and help each other quit smoking. Let our babies grow up smoke-free," commented Dr Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital.

This was backed up by Dr Sharon Sheehan, Master of the Coombe, who insisted that by supporting this policy, ‘we are ensuring a healthier environment for staff, women and babies'.

However Dr Sam Coulter-Smith, Master of the Rotunda, acknowledged that this move would be difficult for some.

"We realise that this change may be difficult for people who smoke and much work has been done to inform and support all those using our campus, and to allow them time to prepare for this change," he said.

Advice on quitting smoking is being made available at all three hospitals. Inpatients will be provided with support to manage their smoking habit during their stay.

Meanwhile the three masters are also appealing to staff members to avail of the smoking cessation advice.