DOCTORS surgeries, community hospitals and NHS offices across south Worcestershire will be smoke-free zones by April 1 this year

In the fight against tobacco, South Worc-estershire Primary Care Trust is hoping the move will set an example to other employers and workforces to make their workplace environment healthier and safer for non-smokers.

Second-hand smoke has been shown to cause lung cancer and heart disease in non-smokers, as well as many other illnesses and minor conditions and accounts for an estimated 1,000 deaths nationally per year.

Tim Davies, director of Public Health at the PCT said: "As part of the Choosing Health White Paper, we have a clear commitment to provide a smoke-free NHS and we plan to offer a safe and healthy environment by 1 April 2006 for staff, patients and visitors.

"All Trust buildings and their surrounding areas will become smoke-free and staff will be required not to smoke while on duty or in uniform.

"Once the no-smoking signage is erected, members of the public will be unable to smoke inside, or within the grounds of our buildings.

"We would also hope that when our community staff visit patients at home that patients respect the wishes of our staff not to be exposed to second-hand smoke."

Anyone wishing to stop smoking can have a confidential conversation with a member of the Worcestershire Smoking Advice team on 01905 76022.