Smoke-Free Hospital

Tobacco-Free Hospital Internal Policy

Pursuant to the Comprehensive National Tobacco Control Law and the Executive Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Facilities issued by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and in order to protect the health of patients, visitors, employees, and all individuals entering the hospital, this hospital is committed to implementing a completely tobacco-free environment.

Purpose

• To provide a safe and healthy environment for cardiovascular patients, who are more vulnerable than other patients to the harmful effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke.
• To promote public awareness and social responsibility in tobacco control.
• To comply with national tobacco control policies.

Scope
This policy applies to all permanent, contractual, and outsourced employees, trainees, students, patients, visitors, contractors, and service providers across all hospital buildings and premises.

Definitions

• Tobacco Products: Includes cigarettes, pipes, hookahs (water pipes), electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), tobacco, and all other tobacco products.
• Hospital Environment: Includes all hospital buildings, clinical and administrative departments, laboratories, educational facilities, outdoor areas, parking lots, and organizational vehicles.

• General Policy
  • The Tobacco-Free Hospital Policy shall be approved at the highest decision-making level of the hospital (Board of Directors).
  • The Institute shall provide all required human and financial resources necessary for implementing the Tobacco-Free Hospital Policy.
  • The Institute shall encourage both clinical and non-clinical staff who use tobacco to quit and facilitate access to cessation services.
  • The use of any tobacco products is strictly prohibited in all indoor areas and throughout the hospital premises.
  • Tobacco-Free Hospital warning signs must be installed at all entrances, departments, outdoor areas, and elevators.
  • The sale, advertisement, or distribution of tobacco products anywhere within the hospital premises is strictly prohibited.
  • Hospital management is prohibited from accepting any financial or other support from the tobacco industry, and no collaboration with tobacco companies is permitted.
  • Staff members are required to respectfully remind violators of the policy and report violations to the hospital security department.
  • Physicians shall pay particular attention to tobacco use by patients and those around them (family members and workplace contacts), emphasize avoiding tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, and refer tobacco users to appropriate cessation services.
  • The Institute supports research conducted by investigators to demonstrate the harmful effects of tobacco use and promote smoking cessation, in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Enforcement
  • Employees: Violations will be addressed in accordance with disciplinary and administrative regulations.
  • Patients and Visitors: A polite verbal warning will be given initially. Repeated violations will be referred to the hospital security department, and continued tobacco use will be prevented.
  • Contractors and Service Providers: Violations may result in contract termination or penalties as specified in contractual agreements.
• Responsibilities
  • Hospital Management: Overall supervision, continuous support, and official communication of this policy.
  • Patients and Visitors: A polite warning will be given initially. Repeated violations will be referred to the hospital security department, and continued tobacco use will not be permitted.
  • Environmental and Occupational Health Unit: Staff education, implementation of awareness programs, and provision of tobacco cessation counseling services.
  • Security Department: Monitoring compliance and addressing policy violations.
  • All Employees: Serving as role models by complying with the policy and cooperating in its implementation.
• Education and Awareness
  • Installing educational posters and banners throughout the hospital.
  • Providing regular educational programs for staff.
  • Informing patients and visitors during admission through various communication channels (SMS, display screens, public announcements, etc.).
  • Organizing workshops and tobacco cessation counseling sessions for volunteers.
• Monitoring and Review
  • Annual evaluation of policy compliance by the Tobacco Control Committee.
  • Submission of reports to hospital management along with recommendations for necessary improvements.
  • Review of this policy every two years or whenever national regulations are revised.
• Effective Date
  • This policy becomes effective from the date of its official issuance, and all individuals covered by this policy are required to comply.
  • We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of all employees and visitors in implementing this policy.

Rajaei Heart and Vascular Hospital Management