Efforts to create a smoke-free environment at the largest hospital in Ha Tinh province.

Dr. Le Van Dung, Deputy Director of the hospital, said: "Every day, the hospital receives thousands of patients and their families. Changing a long-standing habit in society is not something that can be done overnight."

It is crucial to make everyone understand that the hospital environment needs to be absolutely clean. Every staff member must set an example by saying no to smoking; only then will patients and their families be aware of the need to adjust their behavior accordingly.”

Over the past period, the hospital has maintained the practice of displaying "No Smoking" signs in easily visible locations.

To bring about change, the hospital has maintained the practice of displaying "No Smoking" signs in easily visible locations, broadcasting information about the harmful effects of tobacco through the internal loudspeaker system, and integrating the topic of tobacco harm prevention into departmental meetings and activities.

Departments and wards are assigned the responsibility of monitoring and reminding patients and their families to comply with regulations. The hospital's labor union also includes the criterion of "no smoking on the premises" in the monthly performance evaluation, contributing to the formation of self-awareness among staff.

Maintaining a smoke-free hospital environment contributes to improving service quality and fostering a friendly and civilized hospital image.

Beyond simply raising awareness, the hospital also emphasizes setting a good example through its own medical staff. Dr. Tran Ngoc Anh, Deputy Head of the General Internal Medicine Department, shared: “When healthcare workers set a good example, patients are more likely to change their perceptions. We constantly remind each other that we cannot advise patients to quit smoking if we ourselves still maintain that habit. Currently, the majority of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, stroke, etc., are linked to long-term smoking. Each severe case serves as a reminder for us to persistently educate patients, helping them understand that quitting smoking is the way to protect their own health.”

That persistence has had a positive impact on people's awareness. Mr. Phan Van Dinh (65 years old) from Duc Thinh commune shared: "Previously, whenever I went for check-ups or took family members to the hospital for treatment, I would smoke while waiting. But now, everywhere I see 'no smoking' signs, and moreover, doctors and nurses all say no to cigarettes, so I have become aware of my wrong behavior and have stopped smoking in the hospital. Not only that, I also tried to quit smoking, and now, I have basically quit."

The provincial general hospital incorporated a message about preventing the harmful effects of tobacco into its sports event on October 20th.

Thanks to the concerted efforts of leaders, officials, and staff, the "smoke-free hospital" model at Ha Tinh Provincial General Hospital is becoming increasingly well-established. Smoking within the hospital grounds has significantly decreased, wards and departments are cleaner and more airy, and the awareness of patients and their families has improved. Many people, when coming for examination and treatment, have proactively reminded each other to comply with the regulations, creating a civilized and friendly environment.

"Maintaining a smoke-free environment in hospitals not only protects patients' health but also contributes to building a civilized lifestyle throughout the entire healthcare system. This is something we are determined to do resolutely to maintain a clean environment for patients," affirmed Dr. Le Van Dung.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/no-luc-xay-dung-moi-truong-khong-khoi-thuoc-o-benh-vien-lon-nhat-ha-tinh-post297891.html