Hospital in France to Open a Wine Bar

A hospital in southwestern France plans on opening a wine bar for terminally ill patients to improve their quality of life, according to France 24. The bar will host supervised wine tasting events, as well as serving other liquors provided by sponsors. 

Dr. Virginie Guastella proposed the concept because she believes that patients “have the right to enjoy themselves” during trying times. “It’s a way of rethinking the care of others, taking into account the feelings and emotions that make them a human being,” said Guastella. The project seeks to “restore longing, taste, desire and even pleasure” for patients who are coming to the end of their lives.

 A glass of wine may not be able to cure cancer, but it will help patients restore the sense of normalcy. The hospital staff will receive training from social anthropologists on managing the new bar. and patients will be allowed to invite friends and family over to share a drink. [France 24] [Photo: Flickr/Jerry Pank]

Tagged: France, Patients, wine