- November 2016
Focusing on infection control in the emergency department
Some EDs are making contributions to their facilities' HAI prevention efforts
11/30/2016
Four decisive steps to optimize your RFP for project success
Better project outcomes result from decisiveness when developing the RFP
11/30/2016
Georgia hospital employee injured in shooting
A man opened fire inside a private hospital north of Atlanta
11/30/2016
Q&A: Five-year internal inspection of sprinkler systems
Brad Keyes discusses five-year internal inspections of sprinkler systems
11/30/2016
Hospitals that buy locally can help communities
New toolkit offers ways for healthcare facilities to purchase locally
11/30/2016
New product sustainability information tool launched
SPOT, a web-based product sustainability information tool, can facilitate the selection of credible green products
11/30/2016
Duke testing robot-nurse
The robot is being developed through a collaboration between Duke’s School of Engineering and School of Nursing students and staff
11/29/2016
Perception of safety affects hospital quality, report says
Report explores the impact of nurses’ perceptions of workplace safety and their ability to assess and accurately treat patients
11/29/2016
Tips for creating a safer healthcare environment for workers and patients
All too often workers or patients are injured through slips, trips, falls, or other accidents
11/29/2016
Children's hospital planned in Colorado Springs
The 294,000-square-foot complex will open on the UCHealth Memorial Hospital North campus in late 2018 and includes room for growth
11/29/2016
Indianapolis hospital kitchen upgrades to improve food safety, quality
IU Health Methodist Hospital replaced equipment that has been here for around thirty years
11/29/2016
Designing healthcare facilities with virtual reality
Many construction companies use virtual reality as a way to let healthcare clinicians immerse themselves in a true-to-size simulation of a new built environment
11/29/2016
Change agent: Albert Manshum transforms Advocate Health Care's facilities
An architect by training, Manshum was attracted to healthcare facilities from early on in his career
11/29/2016
Pomona hospital employees fear patients are being sickened by dirty conditions
Employees of one of San Gabriel Valley’s largest hospitals say management has ignored situation
11/28/2016
California hospital paves way for systemwide LED exterior lighting upgrade
Employees and visitors started fearing for their safety when approaching and leaving St. Mary Medical Center
11/28/2016
N.Y.'s Samaritan Medical Center cancer facility's design based on the word 'hope'
The Walker Center for Cancer Care was designed to promote a sense of community, centering itself on a large living room
11/28/2016
Reducing HAIs in long-term care facilities
Long-term care facilities should implement an infection-control training model that addresses issues staff members encounter on a daily basis, according to an article on the Long-term Living website
11/28/2016
Indiana healthcare facility installs new energy-efficient lighting
Putnam County Hospital updated LED lighting in its parking lots
11/28/2016
Wattstopper Software Updates Feature Expanded Commissioning, Product Support and UI Capabilities
11/28/2016
Operational technology could create hacking vulnerabilities
Devices and systems connected to cyber networks need to be evaluated
11/23/2016
Hospitals urged to be careful with the Internet of Things
During the past couple of months, malware has launched attacks against the Internet
11/23/2016
WHO says Zika no longer an international public health emergency
Zika and associated complications still a significant challenge
11/23/2016
A data-driven approach to healthcare facilities environmental services
All ES professionals should have data about the facilities they help to maintain
11/23/2016
Air curtains may be tool in the fight against Zika
Air movement is known to be effective in disrupting insect flight
11/23/2016
Managing an emergency or natural disaster
Information is key in a stressful and dangerous situation
11/22/2016
WHO recommends ways to stop surgical infections
In the U.S., surgical infections contribute to patients spending more than 400,000 extra days in hospital
11/22/2016
Managing technology in healthcare design
Managing the integration of technology into a building program can be complicated
11/22/2016
Studies show retail clinics have little effect on visits to nearby EDs
Retail clinics may encourage an increase healthcare use rather than be a substitute for visiting the emergency room
11/22/2016
How we can stop healthcare-associated infections
Information is key in a stressful and dangerous situation
11/22/2016
Waiting room design consideration
Healthcare facilities are moving away from institutional settings to aesthetically pleasing spaces with amenities and multiple seating types to appeal to various preferences, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/22/2016
RightDry Technology Now Available Option with Munters Integrated Custom Air Handler (ICA) System
11/22/2016
Meridian Receives HREI Insights Awards Nomination for Two Medical Office Building Projects
11/22/2016
Opponents of Boston hospital expansion appeal project's approval
The group still wants to stop the hospital from destroying a garden
11/21/2016
Partnership seeks perfect nursing station design
The University of Kentucky joined the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington to add to the body of research on nursing station design, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/21/2016
Investigators searching for cause of fire in vacant building at Mass. hospital
An early-morning fire severely damaged a vacant building on the grounds of McLean Hospital in Belmont
11/21/2016
CMS finalizes new emergency preparedness requirements rule
The final rule went into effect on Nov. 15, 2016
11/21/2016
Infectious brain disease confirmed at Maine hospital
Portland hospital suspends elective surgeries in order to sterilize its surgical equipment and facilities
11/21/2016
Infection control problems tied to Hep. C outbreak
Researchers say 2013 N.D. nursing home outbreak caused by lapses
11/21/2016
Stains Perform a Disappearing Act with New Clax Magic Range from Sealed Air’s Diversey Care
11/21/2016
Hospitals using coal are 'smoking a giant cigarette'
New Zealand Medical Students oppose using coal in healthcare facilities
11/18/2016
Former patient stabs five at Pa. mental health facility
The assailant was armed with a knife and an air pistol
11/18/2016
Maintaining indoor air quality in long-term care facilities
Older adults are more susceptible to the effects of airborne pollutants
11/18/2016
VA renovates Massachusetts nursing care facility
The roughly 20,000-square-foot space has private patient rooms and bathrooms and new communal spaces for family
11/18/2016
Catalyst to interoperability in federal healthcare
To attain true interoperability, providers should be able to access one another’s information – across organizational, vendor, and geographic boundaries
11/18/2016
New short-term rehab facility opens near Dayton
New 42,000-square-foot healthcare facility in Hamilton has a price tag of $13 million
11/18/2016
Transitioning from a centralized to a decentralized model
Move can cause mixed emotions among users of the space, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/18/2016
Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Receives CCPPP Award for Innovation and Excellence in P3s
11/18/2016
Stains Perform a Disappearing Act with New Clax Magic Range from Sealed Air’s Diversey Care
11/18/2016
Tropical bed bug making a comeback
For the first time in 60 years, a tropical bed bug has been confirmed in Florida
11/17/2016
Dayton benefitting from hospital building boom
Five major projects are planned or nearing completion
11/17/2016
St. Elizabeth’s plans multimillion-dollar building in Indiana
It will offer expanded primary care and urgent care services as well as medical specialties
11/17/2016
Banner-University Medical Center expanding Tucson campus
$400 million, nine-story tower will replace 40-year-old hospital
11/17/2016
Water main break shuts off service to Missouri hospital
Hannibal Regional Hospital instituted a boil order after a water main break shut off service
11/17/2016
York Healthcare energy project honored
Healthcare facility recognized for the fourth time for lowering carbon emissions
11/17/2016
Inadequate cleaning of complex reusable instruments among Top 10 health technology hazards
The ECRI Institute rated top health technology safety hazards for 2017
11/16/2016
Designing for caregivers
Designing healthcare facilities with anything from opportunities for exercise to quiet places to work can influence how patient care is delivered, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/16/2016
HIPAA compliance in the cloud: FAQs and myths
Cloud services provide a viable way to store and access HIPAA-protected data, as long as you understand the legislation’s basic guidelines.
11/16/2016
Soiled linens could carry C. diff, study shows
In the dirty areas, 23 percent tested positive for C. diff
11/16/2016
Q&A: Oxygen cylinders in fire rated cabinets
Brad Keyes discusses storing oxygen cylinders in fire rated cabinets
11/16/2016
Walter Reed opens a two-acre wild garden
Healing Through Arts program area designed to help treat PTSD
11/16/2016
Hospitals investing in training of security employees
Survey shows a marked increase in such training to meet increasing security risks
11/16/2016
Lead scare at Ohio hospital traced to construction project
Elevated lead levels were found in part of the water supply at Miami Valley Hospital
11/15/2016
Healthcare facilities' energy efficiency challenge
Healthcare facilities must cope with the challenges of energy management in a mission-critical environment
11/15/2016
HIPAA Section 1557 language access requirements
Section 1557 is the non-discrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act that protects individuals from discrimination in health care based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, and sex; including discrimination based on pregnancy, gender identity and sex stereotyping.
11/15/2016
Report shows hospitals still struggling with deadly infections
But Wallowa Memorial Hospital reports that in 2015 they had no incidences of most bacterial infections associated with a hospital stay and just one case of the most dangerous.
11/15/2016
Nevada hospital installs bacteria-fighting OR light fixtures
Henderson Hospital install lights that continuously disinfect the environment
11/15/2016
Case study looks at hospital noise reduction with flexible curtain track
An article in the Boston Globe on noise in hospitals reported that noise levels have doubled since the 1960s.
11/15/2016
Superbug outbreak costs an NHS hospital one million pounds
Imperial College London scientists assessed a 10-month outbreak of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria
11/15/2016
Free Webinar: Integrating Efficiency into Healthcare – A Life Cycle Approach
It's scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at 1p.m. Eastern
11/14/2016
First Alzheimer’s care homes for people with Down Syndrome to open in Calif.
Two 5,000 sq. ft. houses will open in early 2017 and become home to 20 people with developmental disabilities
11/14/2016
Soiled linens may cause environmental contamination
New study suggests that soiled clinical linens may be a source of surface Clostridium difficile contamination
11/14/2016
Philadelphia-area seeing a boom in suburban healthcare facilities
Area is following the trend to send care access into the community
11/14/2016
Will overtime laws affect infection control measures?
Donning and doffing procedures may be about to change
11/14/2016
Healthcare facilities cultivating wellness with gardens
California healthcare facility cafe, garden helps feed the community
11/14/2016
Using copper to fight infection
Researchers have discovered that copper alloys destroy MRSA, norovirus and other pathogens
11/14/2016
Bacterial outbreak likely linked to infants’ deaths at Md. hospital
Prince George’s Hospital Center closed its NICU for the second time in a few months
11/11/2016
First cases of deadly fungal infection reported in U.S.
In June, the CDC issues a warning to hospitals about the deadly yeast infection
11/11/2016
UC San Diego Medical Center’s Arbor Café revitalizes space, menu
A complete renovation of the kitchen to accommodate made-to-order cooking for patient meals is in progress
11/11/2016
Maintenance can help hospitals maximize access control’s benefits
Partnering with a security technology integrator can help solutions operate optimally
11/11/2016
USP 800 brings comprehensive, stringent regulations to hospital pharmacies
The hazardous drugs that fall within the jurisdiction of USP 800 is published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
11/11/2016
Trends in clinic design
One factor shaping clinic projects is the consult room, as providers recognize that oftentimes clinic visits don’t require an exam, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/11/2016
Cleanliness: Analyzing HCAHPS' Question 8
With the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) reporting mandate in place, the subject of cleanliness has become even more important
11/10/2016
Palliative and hospice facilities' calming environments focus on patients and families
Healing spaces are aesthetically designed to help patients and family members cope
11/10/2016
Michigan hospital plans security upgrade
The move came in response to complaints of a lack of security in the ER
11/10/2016
Addressing healthcare-associated infections with modern hand-hygiene practices
A longterm care facility's infection preventionist should ensure that infection control policies and programs are up to date, understood and followed, according to an article on the Longterm Living website.
11/10/2016
Keys for an effective infection preventionist
A longterm care facility's infection preventionist should ensure that infection control policies and programs are up to date, understood and followed, according to an article on the Longterm Living website.
11/10/2016
When it comes to security, realistic optimism is recommended
People with a glass-half-full attitude are much more successful
11/9/2016
New plant to keep Mass. hospital running during disaster
Baystate Medical Center will be able to operate for 30 days if the power goes out
11/9/2016
Access to outdoors key in skilled nursing facilities
Fresh air, exercise, stimulation and exposure to natural light are all reasons to design outdoor access into a healthcare facility, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website
11/9/2016
Five guaranteed ways to keep your cafeteria clean and up to code
To avoid the spread of bacteria, healthcare facility managers should ensure employees are using proper food handling and sanitation techniques at all times
11/9/2016
Q&A: Sprinklers in construction areas
Brad Keyes discusses removing sprinklers during construction
11/9/2016
Healthcare facility growth will impact many areas
A smooth transition is critical for employees and patients
11/9/2016
Designing for a population boom
Florida Hospital for Women was designed to serve a huge population swell in metro Orlando, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/9/2016
HCI’s New Resource Outlines First Steps for Applying BIM Data to Healthcare Operational Processes
11/9/2016
Report alleges health system used security more for black patients
Michigan Health System is being sued by former employee who made internal report
11/8/2016
Report says healthcare workers lack basic cybersecurity awareness
Employees are 'low-hanging fruit' for social engineering attacks
11/8/2016
Healthcare facility C-suite's role in a disaster readiness efforts
C-suite members often are more effective as community leaders during a disaster
11/8/2016
Design of nurses' spaces critical to patient safety
ProMedica studied conditions in its existing medical/surgical and intensive care units to inform design decisions for its new tower, according to an article on the Heathcare Design website
11/8/2016
Sharps and debris found in hospital laundry lead to staff safety concerns
Debris being found in 'clean' hospital linen across Canada's Saskatoon province
11/8/2016
California OSHA adopts nation's strongest workplace violence prevention
California adopted a standard intended to reduce workplace violence against healthcare workers
11/8/2016
Hospital shines a black light on hand washing
A Glo Germ demonstration showed staff just how good a job they did washing their hands
11/7/2016
Is it your software or you? Sorting out healthcare technology troubles
If your facility is a hospital, nursing home, or other facility that serves food, a nutrition expert can help you put together menus that support patient health.
11/7/2016
Center for Health Design launches new population health toolbox
Resource includes a library of expert insights, case studies, research data, strategies and tools
11/7/2016
20 healthcare facilities get failing grade from Leapfrog
Fifteen hospitals earned an F in the spring
11/7/2016
Weighing in on FGI guidelines
The public comment period for the latest draft of the Facility Guidelines Institute’s Guidelines for Design and Construction is open now through Dec. 12, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/7/2016
Recycling non-hazardous PVC hospital waste
More than 40 percent of all plastic-based disposable medical devices used in hospitals are made from PVC
11/7/2016
Active shooter prevention strategies
Healthcare organizations can increase the chances that a planned attack will be averted
11/4/2016
New behavioral healthcare facility designed for teens
Washington region’s first behavioral healthcare facility focused on teens opens at Tacoma General Hospital
11/4/2016
One in 3 hospitals get an A for patient safety
Leapfrog ratings show significant improvement in some states
11/4/2016
Washington healthcare organization builds $21 million emergency and specialty services building
Jefferson Health Care opened a new 52,900-square-foot facility in Port Townsend
11/4/2016
Healthcare facility simulation center accommodates program growth
A new Simulation Center at Boston Children’s Hospital provides a 5,300-square-foot dedicated space to the Simulator Program, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/4/2016
Healthcare sector stumbling on cybersecurity
Healthcare industry has been hit with 22 major computer breaches in the last year
11/4/2016
Webcast — New Requirements, New Challenges: The 2012 Life Safety Code
On November 1 of this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began surveying to the new 2012 Life Safety Code
11/4/2016
New Southern California facility key part healthcare village
Hoag Health Center Irvine designed for convenient care
11/4/2016
Australian Cleaning Industry’s Enthusiastic Response to the NEW ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo 2017
11/4/2016
Preparing for healthcare facility cyber attacks
Preventing attacks is difficult because threats evolve to take advantage of vulnerabilities
11/3/2016
Hospitals look to antibiotic-free meat to help reduce threat of superbugs
Making the transition to antibiotic-free meat can be challenging
11/3/2016
New York hospital recognized for facility management
New York-Presbyterian Hospital receives ASHE award for integrating management system with regulatory issues
11/3/2016
The value of strategic sourcing in healthcare
Strategic sourcing is defined as an institutional procurement process that continuously improves and re-evaluates the purchasing activities of a company
11/3/2016
Scrubs may help spread germs to patients
The spots most likely to be contaminated were sleeves and pockets
11/3/2016
Effluent tank helps hospital meet environmental standards
A new plant meets all of the hospital’s heating and hot water requirements
11/3/2016
Hospitals' design stressing hospitality
Top managers from the hospitality industry have been recruited by healthcare facilities
11/3/2016
Improving the patient experience through thoughtful design
A new Chicago dermatology practice goes beyond the surface of its urban structure
11/3/2016
San Antonio hospital increases security after employees attacked
Two nurses and a physical therapist were attacked in separate incidents
11/2/2016
Creating an environment of wellness and inclusion
Three organizations have joined to improve the health of their community while creating a destination campus for wellness and inclusion, according to a Healthcare Design website
11/2/2016
Healthcare facility design can help build healthy communities
Healthy behavior may be influenced at the population level by changing the environment
11/2/2016
Living wall inspires heart health
Two-sided green wall welcomes patients and staff at the Spectrum Health Medical Group Heart and Vascular Center in Grand Rapids, Mich.
11/2/2016
Webcast — New Requirements, New Challenges: The 2012 Life Safety Code
On November 1 of this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began surveying to the new 2012 Life Safety Code
11/2/2016
The IrriGreen Genius Irrigation System has been Tested by theCenter for Irrigation Technology (CIT)
11/2/2016
Getting a healthcare facility disaster ready
As part of its Emergency Preparedness Rule, CMS requires that healthcare facilities prove they are ready to deal with disasters
11/1/2016
Norfolk hospital fighting infection with copper-infused linens
More hospitals are using copper in bed linens, patient gowns and countertops
11/1/2016
Manhattan medical school project cures chronic gloominess
The Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center at the Columbia University Medical Center opened to students in mid-August
11/1/2016
Dallas-Fort Worth boiler system project allows for innovative ways to recover heat
New regional hospital project uses principle of lowering the heating-water temperatures
11/1/2016
Surveillance video shows moments before fatal Florida hospital shooting
Video shows shooter slowly walk past an unattended hospital reception area and into a hallway
11/1/2016