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Identification as Roman Catholic cards
We were greatly concerned that ANH (artificial nutrition and hydration) was considered as “treatment” and could be withdrawn if the patient was deemed to have a “poor quality of life” thus leading to death by starvation/dehydration. In our view, the provision of food and fluids, as appropriate, is part of general nursing care.
Members were also troubled that many hospitals do not provide priests and hospital visitors with a list of Roman Catholics on their wards. There is no specific guidance on this subject in the Data Protection Act. We made enquiries and were told by the office dealing with queries about the implementation of the Act that their advice is that hospitals and nursing homes should not hold or pass on this information without the consent of the patient. It is therefore most important that details of one’s religious beliefs are made clear to the authorities on admission, even if the subject is not brought up.
Our blue card was produced to help allay some of these anxieties.
They cost :-
1-24 cards .20p each + sae;
25 cards - £5; UK Postfree
50 cards - £7.50; UK Postfree
100 cards - £12. UK Postfree
to order
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