Denying clergy access to patient records ‘a step towards paganism’

A priest has described as “outrageous” data protection measures which prevent him knowing if any of his parishioners are in hospital.

Fr Mark Mohan had to leave Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, Co Meath, last week after being refused access to the so-called ‘religious list’.

Traditionally, when a patient had been admitted to hospital, their name, address, and religion was placed on a list so visiting clergy could discover if anyone from their area was in a ward.