PROVIDENCE — The recent health challenges faced by Sen. President Dominick Ruggerio have helped to sharpen his focus on improving the critical condition that the health care delivery system in Rhode Island finds itself in today. 

For instance, the daughter of an elderly father who is now a patient at Rhode Island Hospital described the scene to me, saying, “Rhode Island Hospital is a mess!!!!”

Despite a bout with pneumonia, Senate President Ruggerio responded to a series of questions from ConvergenceRI. Here is the interview:

ConvergenceRI: What is the best way for patients’ stories to be heard consistently?
SEN. PRESIDENT RUGGERIO: I appreciate the role that members of the media, and especially health-focused publications such as Convergence RI, play in highlighting the issues facing our health system, as well as the stories of Rhode Island patients and providers. 

I also appreciate those who are willing to share their experiences and perspectives to better inform those of us entrusted with making public policy, so that we might take steps to address areas of need and improve care in our state. 

For those who want to be part of this discussion, I would always advise reaching out to your Senator or Representative to share your own story and perspective.

I also encourage people to be active in their community, and to find ways to contribute to causes they care about and believe in. When it comes to improving health care, especially for the most vulnerable members of our communities, there are many very worthy organizations in need of people’s talents and support.

ConvergenceRI: Dr. Doug Eby, describing what he asks of his team of providers, requests that they learn to listen in 10 different ways to patients. Is that a tool/tactic you agree with?
SEN. PRESIDENT RUGGERIO: I am not a medical professional, but I know how important it is for patients to feel heard. A big part of the Senate’s focus on health care is helping to ensure doctors and providers can focus on patient needs and care, rather than time-consuming demands like insurance requirements and paperwork. 

ConvergenceRI: How would you describe the challenges facing Rhode Islanders with the current health care delivery system? How do you believe that the narrative needs to change?
SEN. PRESIDENT RUGGERIO: I have said that Rhode Island’s health care system is in critical condition, and I stand by that assessment. As leaders, my colleagues and I have the power to change that narrative by acting boldly, embracing innovative approaches, and working collaboratively. 

The Senate will continue to take a leading role in Rhode Island’s action on health care, and the op-ed we submitted, which you ran earlier this week, outlines some of our latest steps.

ConvergenceRI: How does the caring enterprise provide a path to prosperity for young Rhode Islanders, many of whom have found jobs in skilled nursing facilities?
SEN. PRESIDENT RUGGERIO: Strengthening and supporting Rhode Island’s health care workforce is an absolutely essential part of our action on health, and we have led efforts to review and adjust reimbursement rates to support providers who are struggling. 

ConvergenceRI: What is the importance of persevering in these difficult times?
SEN. PRESIDENT RUGGERIO: It is no secret that I have faced health challenges in the last year. It has given me new perspective into the experience of patients and the providers, and the struggles they are facing today.

I consider serving my community and our state to be an enormous privilege, and it comes with something that is a great responsibility as well as a great opportunity – the chance to improve the lives of others. Health care is an incredibly complex area of policy, and making progress can be daunting. But I am resolved to persevere through any obstacles and difficulties, because to me, no single focus will make a greater difference in the lives of Rhode Islanders.