The OSI Bilbao-Basurto has been recognized with the Gold category by the Global Network for Tobacco-Free Healthcare Services (GNTH), the highest international level of accreditation for promoting smoke-free healthcare environments. This is the second such award for the Basque healthcare system, following the previous one obtained by OSI Tolosaldea in Primary Care.
This new recognition continues the work promoted by Osakidetza within the “Organización sin humo” project, which had already received global Gold accreditation. Building on this foundation, the OSI Bilbao-Basurto has advanced its initiatives and successfully passed the international audit process, leading to this distinction.
This achievement, supported by solid work developed over several years, directly aligns with the guidelines of the Basque Health Pact promoted by the Basque Government's Department of Health. The strategy signifies the system's transformation towards a preventive and proactive model, where the eradication of tobacco and nicotine-releasing devices, along with the creation of protected environments, are consolidated as key elements for improving public health and citizen well-being.
To reach this level, the organization successfully underwent an internal and external audit process evaluating compliance with eight standards of the anti-smoking strategy. These include management commitment and resource allocation, visibility of the anti-smoking policy, and continuous training for healthcare and non-healthcare staff. Furthermore, systematic protocols for diagnosis and support in smoking cessation are implemented, ensuring a strictly smoke-free environment to protect the community and promoting health in the workplace through initiatives like the specific smoking cessation consultation within Occupational Health, part of the healthy company project Osasunbiba.
Moreover, the strategy extends beyond the hospital setting by strengthening community ties through alliances with local stakeholders, associations, and the Bilbao City Council to develop programs targeting vulnerable groups. Finally, the model ensures its sustainability and continuous improvement via a supervision and evaluation system based on control indicators.
“"This recognition highlights all the work we have done so far. It reflects the commitment of all OSI staff, from various professional categories in primary and hospital care, to maintain smoke-free spaces, set an example within the organization, and help patients quit smoking. Furthermore, it drives us to remain committed to ensuring our organization continues to be a healthy environment in the future."
Planned short-term actions include addressing smoking among hospitalized patients by proactively offering brief advice and existing resources to help them quit, regardless of their pathology. Additionally, cessation offerings will be expanded with specific workshops for targeted groups, such as pregnant women. Lastly, efforts will be made to design more collaborative actions with associations and former smokers.
In summary, this award demonstrates that the professionals at OSI Bilbao-Basurto lead by example, contributing to smoke-free environments by promoting support and awareness actions aimed at facilitating smoking cessation among the population.
