Two NHS hospitals in the Midlands have opened vape shops in a controversial bid to stub out smoking.

The shops have begun selling e-cigarettes to patients and visitors, as the trust introduces £50 fines for those caught smoking.

It comes as the Government draws up plans which aim to eliminate smoking in Britain by 2030.

The proposals are also understood to compel the tobacco industry to fund programmes to help smokers quit, instead of the NHS funding it.

Sandwell General Hospital in West Bromwich and City Hospital, Birmingham, have both opened vape shops, run by Ecigwizard, selling products such as Jubbly Bubbly and Wizard’s Leaf.

The move is part of a wider policy to make the sites entirely “smoke-free” with cigarette shelters turned into vaping areas.

The ban on smoking is policed by security guards and CCTV cameras, while vaping outside is allowed, as long as it is away from doorways.

Public Health England has said all trusts should go smoke-free, but a third are yet to set a date.

Dr David Carruthers, trust medical director said: “The Trust’s board, and our clinical leaders, are united in the view that smoking kills. Given that simple truth, we can no longer support smoking on our sites, even in shelters or cars. Every alternative is available and we ask visitors and patients to work with us to enforce these changes. Giving up smoking saves you money and saves your health. No more passive smoking on our sites is a public health necessity.”