Dear Editor,

It has been brought to my attention that Rep. Kathy Rapp is personally opposed to allowing the patient-staff ratio bill out of the Health Committee to be discussed on the floor of the General Assembly because she have stated you haven’t heard from enough nurses. Have you heard from or listened to the seniors of this state regarding their inability to get sufficient nursing care in the hospital? I further understand that this bill has bipartisan support, something not seen very often in our state.

If you haven’t heard, then let me tell you about my mother who at 92 years old broke both of her wrists. She was admitted to a local hospital’s medical surgery floor after her surgery. My mother was very sharp and not confused at all about person, place or time. One late morning she needed to use the bathroom. She pressed the call button, a nurse came in and told her she’d be back as soon as soon as she could because she was the only nurse for seven patients there were no aides assigned there.

My mother waited as long as she could and got out of bed and started to walk to the toilet when I came and assisted her.

What if she had fallen and done more damage to herself? I find it hard to believe that Rapp and the Republican colleagues have no compassion for the elderly not to allow this bill out of committee. Do you have elderly family members?

I am now 74 years young and find the contempt you show us disgraceful and inhumane.

Remember just because I don’t live in your district doesn’t mean you don’t have to answer to me as the paycheck you receive comes from Pennsylvanians all over the state and not just from your district.

Caryn A. Leifer,

Horsham