Management at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda say all patients affected in the breach of confidentiality - will be met individually- following the discovery of patient files on a street in Drogheda.

The documents were discovered by a local man out walking near Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital - which says it takes the matter 'extremely seriously'.

A letter of apology will also be issued outlining the steps being taken by the hospital.

Both the HSE and the Data Protection Commissioner are due to investigate the matter.

The Director of the Irish PatientsÂ’ Association, Stephen McMahon, says it raises a number of serious issues.