This is extremely important for the Goulburn community as it directly affects the amount of nursing care they receive; which is currently less nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD) for no other reason than our postcode.

A transparent ratio of one nurse to four patients on the day and afternoon shifts and seven patients to one nurse on the night shift is what the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is asking everyone to support.

Nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD) is the current system that the Ministry of Health uses to fund how many direct care hours a patient receives.

Goulburn Base Hospital is allocated five hours on their medical and surgical ward.

Other hospitals, such as Campbelltown, Royal Prince Alfred and other Sydney hospitals, receive six hours on their medical and surgical ward.

Well over 10 years of evidence-based research shows that improving nursing ratios saves lives, reduces re-admission, and reduces length of stay.

Ratios decrease the long term cost to the health service but, more importantly, the impact upon the community by allowing family members to go home sooner, in better health.

Healthcare shouldn’t be postcode driven.

We as a community deserve the same amount of care for the same illnesses that other hospitals receive.

Ratios should be implemented state wide, getting rid of the inequalities that exist in the current NHPPD system.

A Goulburn rally for ratios is being organised for September 18 at 12.30pm in Victoria Park (opposite Goulburn High School).

Please come and support our nurses that are standing up and demanding safer patient care for our community.