The NHS Confederation welcomed the ban on smoking in public places, introduced in England in July 2007.

As the single most avoidable cause of illness and death in many areas of the country, smoking is a serious concern for our members. The Confederation believes that the smoking ban supports the good work already undertaken by the NHS.

Government proposals for tackling second-hand smoke were announced in the 'Choosing Health' white paper in 2004. These proposals were followed in 2005 by the Health Bill covering range of topics on both improving the health of the public and patients, and improving the way the NHS is run. The Bill provides for a ban - with certain exemptions - on smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces. In May 2008 the Department of Health launched a consultation on the future of tobacco control.

The Government has also set Public Service Agreement targets to reduce adult smoking rates to 21 per cent or less by 2010, with a reduction among routine and manual groups to 26 per cent or less. NHS action has already shown results and good progress is being made on both targets.

How we involve members in our work

We actively work with the primary care trust members through the PCT Network to capture ideas on the future of public health. We hold specific seminars and meetings to inform our policy positions - invitations either appear in our email bulletin Interchange Alert or are sent out individually. We have regular meetings bringing together key stakeholders with NHS Confederation members.

The PCT Network is currently seeking members' views on the Department of Health's (DH) consultation on the future of tobacco control. DH is seeking views on the following four areas:

• Reducing smoking rates and health inequalities caused by smoking
• Protecting children and young people from smoking
• Supporting smokers to quit
• Helping those who cannot quit.

Please email jo.webber@nhsconfed.org with your views by 1 September 2008, particularly on reducing tobacco smuggling, introducing plain packaging, smaller displays and limiting exposure to second-hand smoke in private places.

Confederation representatives

The NHS Confederation is a member of the non-government organisation forum, an official Government initiative sponsored by the Department of Health and managed by the Health Development Agency. The forum supports engagement between Government and non-governmental organisations on health inequalities and wider public health issues. For further information please visit the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health.

Confederation policy

In consultation with our members we responded to the Government's paper on the smoke-free elements of the Health Improvement and Protection Bill.

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