The grounds at both Meriter Hospital and UW Hospital will go smoke-free beginning next week.

The smoking ban at UW Hospital includes the areas surrounding nearby health sciences buildings on the UW-Madison campus.

In an announcement, university officials said the policy is being instituted for the health of students, employees and visitors and to bring the hospital in compliance with national and state regulatory agencies.

UW-Madison adopted a smoke-free policy for almost all buildings in 1991.

As of Wednesday, no tobacco will be allowed on property around UW Hospital, American Family Children's Hospital, the schools of medicine and public health, nursing, pharmacy, the Carbone Cancer Center and the Waisman Center.

The ban at Meriter Hospital takes effect Monday.

"Basically, the feeling is that people who are traveling on our property should be able to walk through clear air," said Mae Knowles, Meriter spokeswoman. "We're hoping this helps everybody lead a more healthy lifestyle."

Knowles said the hospital will offer free smoking cessation classes for employees and their partners.

The two hospitals will join 96 percent of Wisconsin hospitals, 123 in all, that already have smoke-free campuses.