A HEAVY smoker who puffs his way through 300 cigarettes every week is making a plea to local hospitals to drop their smoking ban. Joe Whittle of Clock Face was so incensed at being unable to smoke in Whiston Hospital that he actually discharged himself.

Joe aged 46 and a Chrones disease sufferer was admitted to the A&E ward of Whiston Hospital hospital after being taken seriously ill on the night of Tuesday, February 13.

Next morning, following a night of extreme discomfort, Joe wanted to smoke. However, the only place he could do so was outside the ward.

"In the morning I was still ill, but needing to smoke I was forced to stand outside in the bitter cold wearing my dressing gown," said Joe.

"I want to give up smoking but I cannot. Nicotine is a drug and I feel that patients who smoke should be given the same support in hospital as alcoholics or drug addicts. I feel the policy is an invasion of my civil liberties and a blatant case of discrimination. I'd like to see a policy brought back where there are smoking areas in hospitals".

Mr Whittle's pleas are backed by smokers rights group FOREST, who have dealt with similar situations.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the NHS said that they are concerned with promoting a healthy environment for patients,and are therefore committed to a "No smoking policy throughout all our hospitals".