Restrictions on hospital visits an example of aggressive secularism

Dear Editor, Your recent article about “red tape gone mad” preventing priests from visiting their parishioners in hospitals throughout the country, seems like a further inroad from aggressive secularism (IC 08/10/2015).

Hospital mission statements, framed and prominently displayed in out patient’s waiting areas, make much of patients’ rights to courtesy and proper respect from hospital staff. Surely it could be pointed out to hospital authorities that patients have a right to the attendance of the chaplain and their local clergyman of their faith if they so choose. It might only mean a further question on the admission form, beyond the one asking your religious persuasion.

People are often asked to inform the local priest if anyone is in hospital but I’m sure many people forget in their anxiety, and carrying a card requesting a priest in emergency could also be overlooked.

It is something that should be sorted out directly with the HSE and local hospital authorities so let’s get writing to them!

Yours etc.,

Bríd Ní Rinn,

Corrachioll,

Co. Chill Dara.