Dear Rabbi Simon
I recently found out I am no longer registered with the NHS in my neighbourhood. There is a clinic opposite my work which is very convenient as then I don’t have to miss work. However, the clinic is in the basement of a church and in order to enter it one has to go into the church building (not the actual church but the foyer or side entrance to the building). Is it an issue to do this? I would like to use this clinic as my local clinic out of convenience. Is this possible?
It’s primarily a church – it’s actually a landmark Marylebone parish. Its entrance is in the front next to the main entrance of the church but it is a side entrance. (As an aside [excuse the pun] I suppose frum Jews go to the Coptic Church on Cranbourne Gardens in GG to vote in the hall?) There are signs outside saying NHS.
Sophie
Dear Sophie
WRT to the clinic it may be allowed. Particularly as the times you may want to attend the clinic are unlikely to be times of worship (which are generally outside of business hours). (The voting analogy is useful, but not definitive, as voting days are limited and well-defined, whereas you would like to attend the clinic at any time, as and when the need arises.) Nevertheless, the use of a side door which is marked NHS means that it is permissible for you to enter that particular part of the building as necessary.
Rabbi Rashi Simon