The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Why and How to Implement a Smoke Free Hospital

Methods: Hospitals have important obligations in the struggle to reduce the use of tobacco and its deleterious health effects. These obligations include not only the provision of a smoke-free environment to protect non-smokers but also the provision of active support for smokers in their quitting process Successful implementation of a tobacco control policy is dependent on clearly defined decisions, comprehensive information and training processes, the participation of all staff – not least the smokers! – and the establishment of a long-term evaluation procedure.

Results: The first step is about commitment: Engage decision-makers. Inform all personnel and patients. Appoint an action group, and propose a strategy and implementation plan. The second step:is about Education & Prevention: in order to protect nonsmokers. - Set up a training plan to instruct all staff on how best to approach smokers. - Organise cessation support facilities for patients and - Tobacco Control - Indicate smoking zones clearly, as long as they are considered necessary, keeping them away from clinical and reception areas. - Environment - Adopt appropriate signs, including posters, signposts, etc. - - Ensure follow-up and quality assurance The ultimate step, which is no smoking at all within hospital premises (indoor and outdoor). Successful implementation of smoke-free hospital policy requires that hospitals fully commit to the implementation steps. Changing a smoking hospital into a smoke-free hospital is a hard task and necessitates longterm effort and commitment. First convince. Constrain according to legislation if needed. Have patience!