The growth of comfortable outdoor seating areas in pubs has convinced smokers not to give up their habit since last July's ban.

This was one of the revelations which emerged when one of Sussex's leading health managers was quizzed by readers of The Argus.

John O'Sullivan, chief executive of South Downs Health NHS Trust, answered the public's questions as part of The Friday Inquisition.

A reader called "Smoker" asked what effect the smoking ban had made on people giving up their habit.

Mr O'Sullivan said: "The answer is we saw a large increase in people wanting to stop smoking in the runup to July 1 last year but this has fallen off since then as many pubs now have open spaces that allow people to smoke and drink in relative comfort.

"This is a shame really as we need to give people every help to stop smoking."

Richard from Seven Dials, Brighton, asked why services where being shifted outside of hospitals to the community.

Mr O'Sullivan said: "I'll give one example. We have recently set up a new community service for people with breathing problems. When they have a problem they are looked after by a community team in their own home rather than having to be admitted into hospital."

Reader "Skunky" asked whether there are too many pen-pushers in the NHS. Mr O' Sullivan responded: "Skunky, people always say there are too many managers in the NHS and we are an easy target.

"We spend £70m of taxpayers money each year and employ 1,500 staff and I need to make sure that we manage this well.

"Most of the managers in our services come from a clinical background and would not call themselves pen-pushers.

"I do need to always make sure the balance is right though."

Jeff, from Hove, wanted to know whether the Fit For The Future consultation, which could see services across Sussex closed or merged, was a sham.

Mr O'Sullivan said: "I don't believe that the big decisions had already been made.

"The recommendation that West Sussex and Brighton and Hove PCT's are considering shows that the feedback from the public consultation has made a difference.

"The big point for me is that we need to change how we debate these issues in the future.

"Set piece events aren't the best way. We need to involve the public at a much earlier stage and get you to help come up with the solutions."

After the inquisition, Mr O'Sullivan told The Argus: "I really appreciated this chance to tell Argus readers about the services South Downs Health can offer them."

Roger French, the head of Brighton and Hove Bus Company, will answer questions about his transport service next Friday.

Click here to go to the Friday Inquisition