By Laura Lane
Concern for the rescue workers health led him nearly a year ago to spearhead creation of the Lung Health Testing Program at the hospital. To date, he has tested over 500 people. The good news is, rescue workers health seems to be improving, but the bad news is, without federal funding, testing and treatment may not be available in the future.
Raoof is concerned present funds may not hold up to benefit Long Islanders who gave their all. So many, he said, have yet to be tested.
"We don't have the resources to expand upon the program," Raoof said. "We want Long Islanders to receive not just screening, but also treatment on a higher scale."
Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan has received $12 million in federal funding. They have requested Nassau and Suffolk county hospitals be involved in the grant, but the wait for completion of the process to do just this has proven to be frustrating for NUMC.
"It is inconvenient for Long Islanders to go to the city," Raoof said. "Mount Sinai asked Stony Brook Hospital to coordinate the different sites [on Long Island]. Stony Brook contacted us, but it is taking awhile for this process to go through."
Raoof said the only difference between Mount Sinai and NUMC's approach has been the East Meadow hospital's commitment to not only perform the same tests, but also provide treatment for the rescue workers. Yet, the program at Mount Sinai continues to receive more visibility.
"Mount Sinai has advertised the federal program, and I think advertising has been a big part of why rescue workers have gone there," Raoof said. "They are talking to the different unions, like the Iron Workers, and EMS since it is a federal program. When people hear it is a federal program, they think it is more authentic and believe it has the blessings of the federal government."
With more than one hospital collecting data, Raoof believes a federal registry is needed to pool together information. He said NUMC would like to work in conjunction with other area hospitals.
When asked if he was surprised with the medical results found thus far, Raoof paused. "I didn't expect to find so many people with symptoms of asthma and sinusitis," he said. "It was surprising, because originally a lot of toxic substances were not found, but the exposure to dust and the lack of wearing the proper masks doing the strenuous work at the pile has given these people the symptoms."
Raoof said the Lung Health Testing Program is available to anyone who helped at the site, regardless of whether they were uniformed officers, and there is no out-of-pocket cost for it. He hopes more people will come forward.
"Originally people were more fearful and apprehensive about mentioning they came to the hospital to be tested," Raoof said. "But as word has gotten around that most people can perform their duties and are taking drugs to alleviate symptoms, they are not leery anymore. We are of course respectful of the patients bill of rights."
The testing is performed by five board-certified pulmonologists, technicians experienced in performing breathing tests and registered nurses. Upon completion of the tests, the staff will give the patient an overall impression of the results and recommend a follow-up visit in six months.
To schedule an appointment with the lung-testing program, call (516) 572-1303.
