10:33am Monday 18th December 2006
A TOP health boss has welcomed news of the impending smoking ban for enclosed pubic spaces and workplaces across England.
Associate director of health improvement for Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT), Steve Whiteman, says he hopes the move will also encourage smokers to quit.
The ban, which will come into force on July 1 next year, was recently finalised by Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt.
Mr Whiteman said: "Smoking is one of the PCT's top priorities for tackling health inequalities and improving the health of the population of Greenwich."
The PCT is urging smokers to join the free stop smoking service in Greenwich.
Helen Deaton, manager of the Stop Smoking Service, said: "There has never been a better time to give up. We are delighted the smoke-free law has been set and we are hoping it will encourage more smokers than ever before to give up for good."
Call 0800 587 5833 or text "quit" to 07790 909999 for more information.
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