The HSE have begun an investigation after patient files were in the garden of a house in Drogheda Co Louth.
It is understood the investigation comes after the files from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, were found by the householder on Monday and returned the files to the hospital.
The HSE say have informed thd Dara Protection Commissioner about the discovery and an internal investigation has been launched.
It is expected that a that a full audit at the hospital will take place in the coming weeks.
