The Hospital Committee for Health Education and Prevention (CHESP) was established in 1994 at the University Hospital to coordinate and develop activities in line with the hospital’s mission. The Languedoc-Roussillon Regional Committee for Health Education provided methodological support. Two surveys were conducted to identify current practices (using a questionnaire developed by a multidisciplinary team) and public expectations. Analysis of the responses to the first survey shows that initiatives are based on a solid understanding of the concepts in only 20% of cases. The needs expressed are: genuine integration into the hospital’s mission, adequate material and human resources, meetings between internal and external stakeholders, and specific training. Following the survey, the first hospital-wide meetings on health education took place in April 1996. Two awards will recognize initiatives in 1997. The second survey was conducted in 1995 as part of the Euromédecine initiative. It revealed a strong demand for information within the hospital setting regarding disease prevention (particularly cancer), health, and well-being, as well as a strong recognition of the professionals best suited to provide this information during personal interactions: doctors, dietitians, and nurses.