- November 2015
N.Y. hospital goes old school killing germs
Infection-control czar of the Mount Sinai Health System in New York relies on grandmother's favorite - bleach
11/30/2015
Bed bugs found in Helena nursing home
Staffers say they raised concerns months before the facility took action
11/30/2015
Cardiovascular facility built with complex smoke-control system
Atrium size and building code required a large amount of outdoor air to be supplied to the atrium built with complex smoke-control system
11/30/2015
Achieving net-zero energy relies om a combination of factors
The effort requires a combination of active and passive systems and community partnerships, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/30/2015
Healthcare CEO shares insights about building for the future
Jack Lynch III of Main Line Health says future bed demand is difficult to predict
11/30/2015
EPA seeks input on drug flushing ban
Healthcare facilities would be banned from flushing drugs
11/25/2015
Construction handoff best practices
A smooth construction handoff can help achieve promised operations performance
11/25/2015
Construction handoff best practices
A smooth construction handoff can help achieve promised operations performance
11/25/2015
Maine hospital gets OK to build helipad despite concerns
Neighbors worried about noise from Blue Hill Memorial Hospital helipad
11/25/2015
Hospitals urged to review disaster plans after Paris attacks
French mass-casualty response can be a guide
11/25/2015
New Cherokee Indian Hospital also a gathering place
The new facility almost doubles the space of its former hospital, with larger inpatient rooms and gathering spaces for family and friends
11/25/2015
Industrial engineer may be new voice at the design table
The function of the continuous improvement specialist is to oust the sacred cows of custom and habit, according to an article on the Health Design website
11/25/2015
Herman Miller-Nemschoff and EarlySense partner to provide advanced health monitoring chairs
11/25/2015
Dealing with the major messes
Sometimes a large spill could have been thoroughly removed if in-house staff had not attempted to clean it up
11/24/2015
Case Study: Strong Memorial Hospital Bed Tower
The University of Rochester Medicine recently completed a significant expansion of its Golisano Children’s Hospital, the Strong Memorial Hospital Bed Tower
11/24/2015
Oakland children's hospital begins 10-year expansion
The projets will include rebuilding and modernizing the hospital to meet seismic regulations and adding a second outpatient center
11/24/2015
UConn designs kid-friendly research lab
The renovated 4,000-square-foot structure to house a MRI scanner while providing a welcoming environment
11/24/2015
Healthcare system ambulatory strategy
An ambulatory strategy is a hospital’s or health system’s desire and / or intent to expand its outpatient services further into the community
11/24/2015
Creating brand advocacy
It's a key question for a healthcare system looking to gain more market share, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/24/2015
Hospital security cited for violating patients' rights
Man was subjected to search and surveillance when he entered the hospital for wife's urgent surgery
11/23/2015
Standardizing operating room layout can boost efficiency
The standardization of OR equipment, supplies and technology, can also improve productivity.
11/23/2015
Retail clinic numbers expected to grow
Clinics expected to increase by nearly 50 percent in the next two years
11/23/2015
Healthcare facility communication systems key to maintaining safety
Mass communication systems can help streamline operations during emergencies
11/23/2015
Tips for effective healthcare facility cleaning
Best practices keep infection prevention a top priority
11/23/2015
Detroit children's hospital designed for future flexibility
New 64,500-square-foot, three-story Children’s Hospital Michigan–Troy was created to have the ability to be rearranged or expanded as needs evolve, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/23/2015
Inteplast's trash can liner audits help businesses save money and improve sustainability practices
11/23/2015
Best practices for infant security
Solutions offered to help a healthcare facility thwart infant abductions
11/20/2015
Q&A on sealing penetrations in smoke barriers
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about sealing penetrations in smoke barriers
11/20/2015
Launching a cybersecurity war room
Larger health systems are setting up around-the-clock security operations centers
11/20/2015
FDA orders recall of 2,800 scope-washing machines
About 2,800 automated endoscope reprocessors made by Custom Ultrasonics are used by hospitals and outpatient clinics in the U.S.
11/20/2015
CDC, ASHE partner on infection control
Three-year initiative to focus on infection control efforts in U.S. hospitals
11/20/2015
Service design can help improve patient experience
Service design works to identify needs and answer them with design, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/20/2015
Creating a healthcare facility campus security master plan
Creating this types of plan will better prepare a facility to provide needed information, control and awareness
11/19/2015
Understanding floor care needs
Effective floor care plays a role in maintaining high standards of hygiene
11/19/2015
How to increase the lifespan of your facility
In addition to flexibility, there are aesthetic and safety reasons to choose a cable management system
11/19/2015
Designing hospitals to meet consumer expectations
Public spaces of healthcare facilities are being designed to encourage healthy behaviors and create a more comfortable environment
11/19/2015
Retail influences on healthcare
Healthcare organizations are creating retail-like healthcare environments to improve patient experience, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/19/2015
Flooring can improve energy efficiency
The choice of floor surface can influence overall energy consumption and cost in healthcare facilities
11/19/2015
Tyco security products secures residents of Turkish nursing home with Elpas RTLS Technology
11/19/2015
Improving hospital security with integrated two-way radios
White paper encourages adopting digital radios and combining narrowband networks with Wi-Fi and cellular networks
11/18/2015
Infection control guidelines: who needs to follow what protocols?
The CDE has provided guidelines to infection prevention for outpatient settings
11/18/2015
Energy efficiency improves health
Lowering the amount of energy we waste reduces our need to burn coal and other fossil fuels
11/18/2015
Study says infection control that includes UV disinfection eliminates SSIs
Hospital's two-pronged approach included quality improvement and no-touch environment disinfection
11/18/2015
ISSA 2015 Innovation Program winners announced
Program features 39 products and services from cleaning manufacturers and service providers
11/18/2015
Healthcare construction delivery methods
Depending upon the type and scale of a project, the delivery method of choice will vary. There are a variety of pros and cons to consider, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/18/2015
Improved user experience, powerful integration offered with Kantech’s EntraPass version 6.04
11/18/2015
IBHS urges public and private sector to better protect supply chains from weather-related events
11/18/2015
Fifth Pa. patient death linked to bacteria in water
In all cases, the hospitals used a "heater-cooler" device to control the patients' body temperatures while they were on a heart-bypass machine
11/17/2015
Fifth Pa. patient death linked to bacteria in water
In all cases, the hospitals used a "heater-cooler" device to control the patients' body temperatures while they were on a heart-bypass machine
11/17/2015
Managing diverse healthcare facility locations with standardized practices
A properly integrated workplace management system (IWMS) can significantly benefit the bottom line
11/17/2015
$97 billion in new hospitals, expansions and off-campus clinics and medical offices currently underway
Though most hospital projects are renovations, but 150 construction projects are new hospitals
11/17/2015
Study explores how outpatient clinics' physical environment affects collaboration
Environmental influences on collaboration were found to vary across scale, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/17/2015
Philadelphia children's hospital design for designed with family in mind
Holistic health care informed the design principles for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
11/17/2015
Fatal shooting at Minnesota hospital prompts investigation
St. Cloud Hospital now designated with 'immediate jeopardy' status
11/16/2015
New fire safety rules reviewed for long-term living facilities
Two new rules that would update fire safety and emergency preparedness standards for healthcare facilities
11/16/2015
Navigating the path to cleaner energy for healthcare facilities
There are countless decisions to be made with each sustainability project
11/16/2015
Seniors want more engagement, stimulation in facilities
Seniors want a variety of activity options to choose from, according to a blog on the Environments for Aging website
11/16/2015
New California cancer center designed for team-care approach
Stanford Cancer Center South Bay in San Jose, Calif. is arranged for comfort and efficiency with easy navigation, a universal check-in system, and centrally located reception desks on every floor, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/16/2015
Hospitals moving toward sustainability
According to the 2015 Health Facilities Management (HFM) Sustainable Operations Survey, some facilities are making take great strides and others are taking baby steps
11/16/2015
New BuildPulse app allows commercial properties to leverage data for greater efficiency & profits
11/16/2015
Scotch-Brite Quick Clean Griddle Cleaning System proves its worth in Gleaming Griddle Challenge
11/16/2015
Tips on handling potentially hazardous medical waste
Sometimes seemingly minute details can fall through the cracks
11/13/2015
First new hospital built in Georgia in 20 years
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton is notable for sustainability measures that have it tracking LEED Gold and a rigorous use of Lean design, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/13/2015
Single-use modular biopharma facility delivered to China
The modules arrived 80–90% pre-equipped, including the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the cleanroom and most of the utility equipment
11/13/2015
Design trends reflect changing behavioral health needs
The goal to safely assess and treat patients with dignity is creating a need for evolving facility designs
11/13/2015
$86.7 billion in medical construction in pipeline
Report says projects include 1,189 projects totaling 123.1 million square feet that are in late planning or are under construction
11/13/2015
Health system bans antimicrobial additives from facility surfaces
New Kaiser Permanente policy applies to construction and renovation projects going forward
11/13/2015
Study shows healthcare providers optimistic on future
Three-quarters of healthcare providers express optimism but support for the healthcare law has lessened
11/12/2015
Cancer center design stresses calm, cool dignity and relaxation
New Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center design informed by both residential and hospitality environments
11/12/2015
Universal design in healthcare gaining momentum
Universal design is a method of planning and design that responds to as large of a constituency as possible and is as inclusive as possible, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/12/2015
Q&A on trash collection rooms
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about trash collection rooms
11/12/2015
N.J. healthcare facility finds new energy solutions
Hackensack University Medical Center expects annual savings of more than $1 million
11/12/2015
Green energy system to save U.K. hospital more than 500k annually
Scarborough Hospital has invested in a 776k combined heat and power engine
11/12/2015
Collaboration key to fighting HAIs
Infection prevention and environmental services partnership improves results
11/11/2015
UNC Hospitals Hillsborough created to adapt to new healthcare innovations
Design also places emphasis on the role nature plays in the healing process
11/11/2015
Rehab center at Illinois hospital upgrades mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems
Transitional care unit remains fully operational during MacNeal Hospital construction
11/11/2015
Brain Performance Institute design inspired by frontal lobe
The facade of the new facility features a rhythmic pattern of solid and void panels inspired by an EEG strip, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/11/2015
High-speed hand dryers called better hygienic option
Significant cost and environmental savings also cited
11/11/2015
Optimizing the OR space
Small improvements in efficiency can offer substantial time and cost savings
11/11/2015
FDA urged to preserve antibacterial products, ingredients
American Cleaning Institute is asking the Food and Drug Administration to re-evaluate antibacterial data
11/10/2015
Paper towels called best hand-drying option
Microbes can remain on the hands after washing, healthcare professionals must remove them in the most effective way possible
11/10/2015
Contaminated floors can spread potentially harmful germs and bacteria
Effective cleaning is the best way to keep floors hygienic
11/10/2015
Single patient rooms reduce HAIs, costs
Study: The cost savings more than cover the construction expense
11/10/2015
San Francisco facility recognized for safety drills
Presidio Surgery Center honored for 'incredibly realistic' drills
11/10/2015
New California hospital harnesses Seabiscuit connection
Adventist Health replaces outdated facility with larger, modern Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital
11/10/2015
Single-use device reprocessing kept 873 tons from landfills
Practice Greenhealth report says that diverting 92,205 tons of waste from the landfill through recycling, saving nearly $4 million
11/9/2015
Preparing for power outages at long-term living facilities
Even a brief power outage can potentially impact multiple systems, according to an article on the Long-term Living website
11/9/2015
Environmental services has role in construction
ES can help to isolate work areas from the rest of the hospital
11/9/2015
Integrative design, 3-D modeling can protect senior facility developers
Unforeseen rising manpower and material costs can cause major budget shortfall in senior projects
11/9/2015
'Homelike' details matter in senior housing
White paper tries to get to the heart of what make a senior living facility feel like home, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website
11/9/2015
New mobile medical unit to serve California youth
Teen Health Van will be operated in partnership with Stanford Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
11/9/2015
Selected Thomas & Betts Blackburn EZGround compression connectors now IEEE 837-2014 compliant
11/9/2015
Bentley continues to advance commercial innovation with cloud services subscription program
11/9/2015
Safety measures added to children's hospital construction after accident
Work stops after a forklift punched through the window of a four bed patient room in the adjacent Royal University Hospital
11/6/2015
Creating a healthcare environment that limits errors
Creating spaces with improved point-of-care storage and distribution is one way to address the issue of medication errors, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/6/2015
Final contract awarded to finish over-budget VA hospital
The contract authorizes builder to spend about $571 million more to finish the facility
11/6/2015
N.C. emergency room to be converted to urgent care facility
An emergency room was losing money, according to hospital officials
11/6/2015
California medical center and children’s hospital tower planned
California's seismic requirements for hospitals mandate a new adult hospital by 2020
11/6/2015
Central Florida senior community expanding
John Knox Village of in Orange City is adding 40 duplex units, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website
11/6/2015
Army settles with staffer who exposed infection control dangers
Federal investigators found that she was punished for reporting dangerous health and safety conditions for patients to the Joint Commission
11/5/2015
California health facility renovated without disturbing current patients
Rohnert Park Health Center in Rohnert Park, Calif. was renovated without disturbing staff and patients by scheduling the really disruptive work in the off hours, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/5/2015
Designing a virtual care center
Chesterfield, Mo.- based Mercy opened the first virtual care center in the United States
11/5/2015
Infection Control Today publishes environmental hygiene survey results
Survey reports on hospital leaders' and infection preventionists' concerns about barriers to environmental hygiene
11/5/2015
New Cherokee hospital represents a new model of healthcare
Facility’s opening signals a shift to integrated care
11/5/2015
Improving the patient experience with technology
Adopting technology can boost a patient’s overall comfort level
11/5/2015
Newly formed Murata Energy Solutions Americas introduces solution to automate demand response
11/5/2015
Spooky hospital lore for those still in the Halloween mood
Hospitals and Health Networks gathers haunted hospital stories
11/4/2015
Design winners stress outdoor spaces
Winning facilities incorporated an abundance of natural light
11/4/2015
Saskatchewan hospital renews calls for improved safety after robbery scare
Employee confronted by two would-be robbers as he walked to work
11/4/2015
U.S. Army healthcare facilities opened on time and on budget
The Army successfully completed six major military hospital transition projects within the last five years
11/4/2015
Texas homeless shelter will become mixed-use medical center
$50 million mixed-use medical center to be built in San Antonio
11/4/2015
The future of healthcare design
Healthcare Design magazine spoke with architecture students to find out what put them on their career path
11/4/2015
New guide to designing HVAC systems for 21st century natatoriums available from Desert Aire
11/4/2015
Sales of OEO's direct-replacement LED for metal halide or high pressure sodium lamps skyrocket
11/4/2015
ImageFIRST New York providing OSHA-compliant healthcare laundry services to area medical providers
11/4/2015
Pennsylvania hospital notifies patients of infection risk
WellSpan York Hospital has alerted open-heart surgery patients of possible exposure to bacteria
11/3/2015
Three steps to cut cost and increase workforce productivity
Applying three simple steps significantly improved outcomes, particularly related to cost cutting and productivity which rank among the highest concerns in the workforce
11/3/2015
Preventing HAIs and readmissions fines
Environmental services can help curb hospital acquired infections
11/3/2015
Q&A on under-sink storage
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about under-sink storage
11/3/2015
Cleveland Clinic builds central facility for outpatient cancer care
The $276 million, 377,000-square-foot building will include 126 exam rooms, 98 infusion chairs, six linear accelerators and designated space for Phase I clinical trials, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/3/2015
Major increase in architecture firms reporting progress on achieving carbon reduction targets
11/3/2015
ROCKFON Medical ceiling panels offer cleanliness, aesthetics, performance and sustainability
11/3/2015
Amerlux partners with Enlighted, Inc. for breakthrough lighting sensors and analytics platform
11/3/2015
Honeywell survey shows safety and security in U.S. buildings are higher priorities than going green
11/3/2015
Bedbug treatment options growing
Bedbug populations have spread beyond the bedroom into office buildings, day care centers
11/2/2015
Cincinnati hospital adopts some Ritz-Carlton business practices
The goal is to enhance staff engagement with patients and their families
11/2/2015
A wellness approach to hospital security
Embracing a reactive law enforcement approach in a hospital setting leads officers to miss opportunity to intervene before a situation escalates
11/2/2015
Designers have a responsibility to patient health
Healthcare design can contribute to patient health by redefining the role of the built environment
11/2/2015
Are facilities prepared for the next Ebola?
Emory University Hospital physician says that critical funding for proper care and control of the spread of highly communicable diseases is being cut, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/2/2015