Years ago, ashtrays vanished from most public spaces, and hospitals became smoke-free zones for staff and patients alike. Yet this scene on the Neurology floor of Miguel Servet Hospital in Zaragoza tells a different story. An incident on room 714 raised concerns about ongoing smoking within hospital premises and the challenges staff face when confronted with noncompliant patients.
According to accounts from those affected, a man in a hospital room does not view marijuana use as an issue. Reports describe a recurring problem on the seventh floor, despite repeated complaints from maintenance personnel. The situation has persisted for about a month, with some observers suggesting that only surrender appears feasible for the moment. Authorities reportedly have limited options until the person is caught in the act, the case noted as being difficult to prove without direct observation.
Another hospital user filed a formal claim with the Aragon Health Services on a Saturday in early January via electronic registration, but responses have been slow despite confirmation of processing by the Government of Aragon’s Health Ministry. The anonymous claimant stated that a relative of theirs, Miguel, became aware of a distinctive odor filling the seventh floor at Servet. The aroma prompted heightened concern among observers who later heard noises from room 714 and observed staff scolding the patient for consuming a joint. The correctional tone from the nurses underscored the seriousness of the behavior in an environment where safety is paramount.
desperate nurses
The whistleblower described healthcare workers who conveyed a sense of helplessness in the face of limited power to intervene directly. They said complaints had already been raised with their supervisors, and the patient’s actions were being noted in the health file as part of ongoing risk management. The same pattern reportedly recurred the following day, January 8, with relatives visiting the patient and possibly providing marijuana, leaving the patient in a double room rather than a single-occupancy arrangement.
“Understand the danger of smoking a person with access to lighters in a hospital where there are oxygen cylinders and other hazards.”
The consequences extend beyond the immediate exposure to smoke and odors. The smoke can travel through vents and affect other patients, while the presence of lighters creates an elevated risk in a facility that relies on ample oxygen and other potentially dangerous materials. Observers stressed that a hospital must safeguard all patients from such hazards, and that continued exposure undermines core health and safety standards. The sentiment was clear: preventing further risk is essential to protect everyone receiving care on the unit.
One person urged a prompt resolution, noting that months of concerns have been shared with service leaders. The call emphasized that the responsibility for ensuring a safe environment lies with the relevant health authorities and hospital administration. The request was made through the Aragon Health Service as part of ongoing oversight of patient safety and facility conduct.