Starting on the first day of the new year in 2019, the entire grounds of the Martini Hospital will be a smoking free zone.
Translation by Traci White
The Groninger Internet Courant reports that as a medical facility, the hospital staff believe they need to set an example for a healthy life style. “We see the negative consequences of smoking on health here in the hospital”, said a spokesperson, which Is why the medical facility wants to prevent patients, visitors and employees from smoking on the grounds.
The hospital also offers free courses to help employees stop smoking, and patients who smoke are provided with nicotine patches. In 2017, Martini Hospital was one of several large organisations in the city of Groningen which signed the Smoke-free Generation covenant, which is designed to provide children with a smoke-free environment.
UMCG in Groningen, the Wilhelmina Hospital in Assen and the MCL in Leeuwarden have also taken steps to enforce a smoking ban on their grounds in recent years, and the city of Groningen recently approved of a smoking ban within the municipality at all theatres, hospitals and childcare facilities.
