French Hospital to Open Wine Bar To Cheer Terminally Ill Patients

Hospital in France plans to open a wine bar for the terminally-ill.

The French are known for their love for food and wine. The Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital Center now wants the terminally-ill patients to spend the last few days of their lives in the company of close friends, enjoying a glass or two of wine.

"Why should we refuse the charms of the soil to those at the end of their lives? Nothing justifies such an prohibition," the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital Center said in statement, according to Reuters.

Light to moderate intake of alcohol is known to improve quality of life. Several studies have linked antioxidants in wine to better heart health. However, recent research has suggested that the benefits of alcohol on human health might be exaggerated. Nevertheless, giving terminally ill patients a chance to interact with friends and family in relaxed atmosphere might help them cope better with their illnesses.

Of course, these wine-drinking sessions will be closely supervised by the medical staff. The wine bar will be located in the hospital's palliative care unit, where patients will be able to invite their family and friends for drinks, The Guardian reported.

The one-of its-kind bar at the hospital will "cheer up the difficult day-to-day existence of patients", the head of the centre, Virginie Guastella, told AFP, according to The Guardian. "The aim is to 're-humanise' patients by improving the quality of their day-to-day existence and also by giving them the pleasure of being able to offer and receive."

Hospital staff will be specially trained to monitor these drinking sessions before the bar opens in September, Reuters reported.