[Smoking regulations in Danish hospitals]

An investigation undertaken by the Danish Council on Smoking and Health in July 1989 concerning smoking rules in Danish hospitals reveals that still fewer hospitals or hospital departments permit entirely free smoking. Conditions are, however, far from satisfactory everywhere. Smoking is permitted in no less than 28% of hospital wards in Denmark. In 82% of hospitals or departments, smokers and nonsmokers are admitted to the same sickrooms. In one fifth of the Danish hospitals, non-smokers risk being admitted to sickrooms where smoking is permitted. This is not acceptable. In 2% of hospitals or hospital departments, there are no restrictions about smoking for the caring staff. In 27% of hospitals or hospital departments, there are no smoking restrictions for the administrative staff. Only 2% of hospitals or hospital departments have complete prohibition of smoking. Many hospitals or hospital departments have no restrictions concerning common areas. This is true for 26% of the waiting rooms, 20% of the elevators, 30% of the passages and 46% of the lavatories. A total of 2% of hospitals or hospital departments have no smoking restrictions for visitors while 14% have complete prohibition of smoking for visitors. The goal of smokeless working environments for all health staff is recommended.