The NHS may be in “crisis” but the Health Police aren’t affected. I saw this in the grounds of Southmead Hospital. Smoking is undoubtedly bad for you and I’m really glad to have given up. But it was a real struggle. I can’t help but sympathise with people who find themselves in hospital and have to stop immediately.

The sight of patients in hospital gowns standing outside the hospital with their drips is bad enough. But making them walk several hundred yards offsite in the middle of winter just to have a fag? Even smokers deserve some compassion doctor.