Nurse murder sparks smoking ban battle

23 February 2007

Chris Ewart and Cheryl's mum, Greta, with his petition for a staff smoking room at St George's Hospital, Hornchurch

THE brother of murdered nurse, Cheryl Moss, has launched a petition slamming health and safety hospital bosses for their no smoking policy.

Chris Ewart, 40, of Abbs Cross Lane, Hornchurch, has so far received support from 48 people urging Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to keep nurses safe.

His sister Cheryl, 33, was killed on April 6 last year while on a cigarette break at St George's Hospital in Suttons Lane, Hornchurch. She had to walk off-site, along what was dubbed by staff, tobacco road, as there was no provision for smoking on site.

Chris accused hospital bosses of adding to the tragedy saying: "Some pen-pusher's got blood on his hands."

He now hopes to turn around Havering Primary Care Trust's (PCT) decision not to reconsider its policy.

He said: "I spoke to Ralph McCormack (PCT Chief Executive) at great length about the issue, but he just doesn't seem to want a room inside for smokers.

Read the full story in this week's Recorder - out now.