Accreditation Confirmed for 2022–2025 Cycle

The Hospital Universitari d’Igualada, operated by the Consorci Sanitari de l’Anoia, has revalidated its Silver-level accreditation in the Hospital Sense Fum (Smoke-Free Hospital) programme. The recognition, awarded by the Xarxa Catalana d’Hospitals sense Fum (Catalan Network of Smoke-Free Hospitals) and the Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (Public Health Agency of Catalonia), confirms the hospital’s full implementation of tobacco control and prevention policies. This accreditation, covering the 2022–2025 evaluation period, will remain valid until 2029, as assessments are conducted every four years. The Silver level reflects the hospital’s sustained commitment to maintaining a healthy, smoke-free environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff.

International Standards and Ongoing Commitment

The evaluation follows criteria set by the Global Network for Tobacco-Free Healthcare Services, an international benchmark for smoke-free health centres. Assessments include smoking signage and enforcement in indoor and outdoor areas, smoking cessation support protocols for patients and staff, staff training, and public awareness campaigns. The hospital has been part of the Catalan Smoke-Free Hospitals Network since 2006 and operates a multidisciplinary committee to continuously meet and improve upon accreditation standards. As a Health-Promoting Enterprise, it offers smoking cessation clinics and runs regular health promotion activities.

The Catalan Smoke-Free Hospitals Network aims to drive organisational changes that support tobacco-free healthcare settings and advises centres on effective tobacco control measures.

These efforts are designed to protect the health of everyone accessing hospital facilities and to provide effective support for patients and professionals seeking to quit smoking. The Consorci Sanitari de l’Anoia first joined the network in 2004, marking nearly two decades of structured tobacco prevention work.

Primary sources: Departament de Salut. Generalita de Catalunya, canalsalut.gencat.cat. Reported by infoanoia.cat, ias.cat, xchsf.cat, Institut Pere Mata SA, CSA - Consorci Sanitari de l'Anoia - Hospital d'Igualada.