Laura Antón, from the Tobacco Control Unit (UCT), participated on February 13 as a guest speaker at the Meeting of Experts in Health and Well-being of Healthcare Workers in Budapest (Hungary), where she presented the comprehensive smoke-free journey of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO).
The conference focused on the health and well-being of healthcare workers, exploring strategies for creating a healthy workplace and a health-promoting work environment. The event brought together key stakeholders from the healthcare sector, including representatives from the Hungarian Ministry of Health, the WHO Country Office and Dr. Harlid from the Health Promoting Hospitals (HPH) Network.
During the third block of the conference, which focused on showcasing good practices in health promotion, Laura detailed the successful implementation of a smoke-free policy at ICO. As a recognized member of the Global Network, ICO has become an international benchmark in tobacco control, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic measures to reduce smoking within healthcare institutions.
Laura’s presentation highlighted the progressive steps taken over the years, highlighting policy development, staff and patient education, and support programs designed to help people quit smoking. Her insights provided valuable guidance for Hungarian hospitals, where smoking remains a major public health concern. The audience was able to see how small but strategic steps can lead to big results in creating a healthier hospital environment.
The conference served as a platform to share best practices and foster collaboration between healthcare professionals and institutions striving to improve health promotion efforts. The Catalan example helped reinforce the importance of comprehensive tobacco control strategies and served as an inspiring example for the hospitals attending the Conference.
