Month: July 2025

The Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) has received a perfect score in its latest audit by the Haute Autorité de Santé, earning the Haute Qualité des Soins certification — France’s highest possible healthcare rating — confirming Monaco’s strong commitment to safe, high-quality, and compassionate care.

On 16th July, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) awarded the CHPG its most prestigious certification following a detailed audit that took place from 24th to 28th March. The Monégasque hospital achieved a flawless 100% score across all three major evaluation chapters: patient care, healthcare teams, and overall hospital management. It now ranks among the highest-performing public and private healthcare establishments assessed by the French authority.

Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health, welcomed the announcement, saying, “This 100% certification of the CHPG, with the ‘Haute Qualité des Soins’ distinction, illustrates the exemplary dedication of the CHPG teams and Monaco’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, safe, and human-centred healthcare.”

Evaluation rooted in real-world care

The HAS certification process is carried out by independent healthcare professionals known as expert-visitors. At CHPG, eight of these experts conducted 76 evaluations across all departments during their five-day audit, using interviews, on-site audits and patient meetings to assess real-time care. While HAS certification is mandatory for hospitals in France, CHPG voluntarily participates in this demanding process, having done so since 2007—always with outstanding results.

A perfect score for patient-first care

At the heart of this year’s assessment was the hospital’s commitment to placing patients at the centre of care. The audit highlighted CHPG’s efforts to ensure patients are informed, involved in decision-making, and treated with dignity. Special mention was given to the hospital’s attentiveness to patients with disabilities, its wide use of patient experience feedback, and its encouragement of collaboration between patients and professionals.

Team coordination and clinical safety praised

The HAS report commended CHPG for its regular multidisciplinary care reviews, safe surgical protocols, and attention to clinical risk management. Auditors noted the clear alignment between day-to-day clinical practice and institutional protocols, as well as the dedication of teams to refining care based on evidence and peer input.

Governance focused on ethics and sustainability

The hospital’s governance structure also received high praise for supporting ethical practice, workplace wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. A dedicated ethics committee, ongoing staff-led quality initiatives, and action plans aligned with Monaco’s broader sustainability goals helped secure top marks in this category.

CHPG leadership and staff have welcomed the result, which the HAS described as “the outcome of a shared commitment across the entire hospital community.”

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo of the New CHPG, credit: Monaco Life

The Principality’s long-running cigarette litter initiative, ‘Monaco Zéro Mégot’, marked its 15th anniversary on 18th July with a striking new design by artist Mr One Teas and a renewed commitment to keeping Monaco clean throughout the busy summer season.

To celebrate the milestone, Marjorie Crovetto, Deputy Mayor in charge of Quality of Life, Environment and Sustainable Development, officially launched the 2025 edition of the campaign in partnership with Estelle Antognelli, head of the CSR-Tourism division at the Tourism and Congress Department. At the heart of this anniversary edition is a brand-new pocket ashtray featuring a humorous yet impactful image by Monaco-based street artist Anthony Alberti, widely known as Mr One Teas. His creation will now serve as the visual identity for the campaign in the years ahead.

A city-wide push against cigarette waste

Throughout the summer, members of the Tourism Department will distribute these newly branded ashtrays at welcome points across Monaco. The devices will also be available at key public locations, including the SMEG/SMA store on Rue Guillaume Apollinaire, the Town Hall, the Médiathèque, and the Stade Nautique Rainier III. The aim is to make proper cigarette disposal as convenient as possible for both residents and tourists.

Expanding the MégotBox network

In addition to the ashtrays, 10 new MégotBox terminals have been installed in Monaco’s summer village, adding to the already extensive network located near public buildings such as the Condamine Market, Espace Léo Ferré, Pavillon Bosio, and the Médiathèque. These sleek collection points encourage smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts responsibly, helping to prevent marine and urban pollution.

Concrete results for a cleaner Monaco

Since January, more than 80,000 cigarette butts have been collected through the MégotBox system—equivalent to safeguarding over 35 million litres of water from contamination. The figures highlight the tangible environmental impact of the campaign and underscore the importance of continued public awareness.

Community collaboration for lasting change

“Monaco must stay guilt-free of cigarette litter—this campaign turns awareness into action,” said Marjorie Crovetto at the launch event.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

The Principality of Monaco has introduced a new, simplified helpline number for victims of violence. As of this month, calls can now be made to 39 19, a free and easy-to-remember number that replaces the former 0800 91 90 10.

The introduction of the 39 19 helpline brings Monaco in line with France’s national victim support system. Calls made from the Principality are redirected to the Association d’Aide aux Victimes d’Infractions Pénales (AVIP), which is authorised to provide victims with essential information and tailored guidance across a broad spectrum of violence-related issues.

These include domestic violence, sexual assault, workplace harassment and other forms of abuse. The service operates with complete discretion and is accessible to anyone seeking confidential advice or information.

Reinforcing the state’s commitment

The updated service is part of a wider initiative led by Monaco’s Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, which aims to strengthen access to support mechanisms for victims.

In cases of immediate danger, emergency numbers remain unchanged: residents should contact 17 or 112.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash