SMOKING is an addiction, some would say an illness.

Many smokers feel victimised and belittled because of their habit, driven out of pubs and shops because of something they can not control.

But there comes a time when smokers themselves must take responsibility for their actions, especially when they are supposed to be ill.

Health workers across East Lancashire have an impressive track record in helping people give up and our hospitals offer similar services.

So it is quite right that, as part of their newly expanded No Smoking policy that hospital bosses have warned patients that their condition will be re-assessed if they keeping leaving their beds for a quick drag.

If you are well enough to ignore offers of help and walk outside to smoke, then should you really be in hospital in the first place, taking up a valuable bed?

The move is part of a wider ranging policy, which bans visitors and staff from smoking, even if they are sitting in a car in the car park.

Again, quite right.

How can health bosses expect people to listen to the anti-smoking message if they merely pay lip service to it in the very places where our health is supposed to be improved?