HEALTH chiefs are set to clampdown on smokers with a proposed ban that would extend to all buildings, grounds and even NHS cars.

All staff and visitors would be affected, and patients would be discouraged from smoking but managers would have discretion to allow it in some areas.

The ban affects the Royal Hampshire County Hospital (RHCH) and Leigh House Hospital in Winchester, The Mount Hospital in Bishopstoke and Andover Hospital as well as assorted clinics and offices.

It will be introduced in two stages. From January 1, 2001 until July 1, 2001, it will be restricted to only two designated areas, the smoking room near the staff restaurant at the RHCH and the smoking room at Andover Hospital.

From July 1, 2001, smoking by staff and visitors will be prohibited. Staff in trust uniforms will not be expected to smoke in public, including on buses and trains.

Anyone seen smoking will be politely asked to stop. Only if there is a threat of violence or the smoker is a distressed patient or relative will staff not request they stop.

Eighty per cent of staff residences will be no- smoking areas.

Counselling and advice will be offered to any patient, client or staff member wishing to give up.

A report by Vicki Fletcher, director of personnel, said the proposal was needed because of the growing evidence about the health risks of smoking and passive smoking.

The report justified the reasons for the plan: health dangers, smokers are now in a minority; most smokers support restrictions; dangers of passive smoking; and fire risk.

Patients at the Melbury Lodge mental health unit in Winchester, will still be allowed to smoke as a ban there would be "inappropriate."

Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare Trust's monthly board meeting will discuss the proposal at its meeting this afternoon.