§ Mr. BradyTo ask the President of the Council, pursuant to his oral reply on 21 March 2002, Official Report, column 441, what has been the outcome of his inquiries relating to the effect of the Data Protection Act 1998 on hospital chaplaincies. [51229]
§ Mr. Robin CookUnder the Data Protection Act 1998 details of a person's religious beliefs are classed as sensitive personal data. Where a patient is incapable of providing consent, perhaps through serious or terminal illness, it is possible for hospital staff to disclose religious affiliation, as this may in the circumstances be in the best interests of the patient. Where the patient is capable of giving consent, it is open to the hospital authorities to seek their agreement to disclose their religious beliefs to the hospital chaplain. The Department of Health is currently considering the need to issue guidance on this matter.