How many are they, every day, toasting one on the forecourt of the Gustave-Roussy Institute (IGR)? Smoking was forbidden by law there but, let us say it, tacitly tolerated until now. Here comes the end of the period of indulgence at the European cancer giant.
Whether they are caregivers or treated, nicotine addicts are now asked to put out their cigarettes and vapers before even crossing the speaker gates! This is one of the requirements displayed by the hospital, located in Villejuif (Val-de-Marne), which adopts its anti-smoking charter this Wednesday.
Its signature in the afternoon confirms the ambitious program of the IGR with the Addiction Prevention Network (Respadd) and the Regional Health Agency (ARS). The Institut Gustave-Roussy is the first healthcare establishment in Ile-de-France to officially commit to a zero nicotine policy.
“It’s a symbolically strong act,” greets pharmacist Nicolas Bonnet, director of Respadd. As the most important cancer center in Europe, the IGR plays a role of model which extends to all the places of health. “
“Beyond the respect of the legislation”
This is welcomed by the ARS, which “is gradually trying to go further than simple compliance with legislation” to make the hospital a real “health promoter”: “The approach led by Respadd since 2018 reinforces and amplify the dynamic initiated by the tobacco-free hospital network. With this development, the entire place is taken into account in the fight against smoking. ”
“Everyone will understand that you cannot smoke around a hospital specializing in the fight against cancer,” says Dr. Khalida Berkane, addictologist from the Gustave-Roussy Institute. This Wednesday’s charter simply makes what is visible from the outside consistent with what is happening inside from a clinical point of view. “
But make no mistake: the project for which she is the referent goes well beyond the written promise. We are talking about an action plan of 300,000 euros financed over three years thanks to the National Fund for the fight against addictions.
