- March 2015
Boston Children's electronic records system shuts down
A hardware issue related to storage shut the system down for several days
3/31/2015
Chlorine sewage treatment may be boosting antibiotic resistance
Early studies are showing that chlorine treatment may encourage the formation of new antibiotics that could also enter the environment, potentially contributing to antibiotic resistance
3/31/2015
Health facilities are built into apartment complexes and employment centers
California health system offering one-stop 'wellness corners'
3/31/2015
California senior facility's needs meant challenging fire sprinkler system installation
Project involved moving residents one story of the building at a time while work took place
3/31/2015
Healthcare design innovation requires risk
Healthcare Design recently surveyed industry professionals to weigh on the issues surrounding healthcare design innovation
3/31/2015
California hospital installs on-site fuel cell system
Cost-effective energy source provides up to 70 percent of electricity
3/31/2015
ES department can boost HCAHPS scores
Electronic work-request model can improve communication and patient satisfaction
3/30/2015
N.H. hospital embraces local beef for food service
Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, is partnering with a nearby farm to bring local beef to its food service offerings
3/30/2015
Big Data can inform healthcare facilities plans
The information requires analysis to understand how it can shape change in facilites and other strategic plans, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/30/2015
Determining eyewash station requirements, placement
There aren't many locations that actually require eyewash stations
3/30/2015
Rush Health Systems selects VRF zoning for fifth time for Choctaw General Hospital
Challenge: To provide maximum comfort and energy savings in the patient care addition of a critical access hospital
3/30/2015
Hospital reschedules surgeries due to dust on supplies
Light fixtures were recently cleaned in the instrument storage space
3/30/2015
Jersey City healthcare facility has 'rampant' rodent problem
Residents and staff report mice in resident rooms, hallways and cafeteria
3/27/2015
Outbreaks spur concerns about automated disinfection
Hospital relied on an automated endoscope reprocessor to disinfect the scopes between uses
3/27/2015
Sustainable BIM design paves path for green future of a healthcare facility
A wave of green building design and sustainability has swept across the construction industry
3/27/2015
Rise in charitable giving builds hospital
Securing the capital needed to build has been challenging for healthcare organizations since the Great Recession
3/27/2015
Appleton hospital renovations focusing on more efficient care
St. Elizabeth Hospital in Wisconsin is in the $108 million "phase four" of a multiyear modernization and renovation project
3/27/2015
Building long-term flexibility into healthcare facilities
New reimbursement models are changing what it means to creating flexibility in healthcare's built environment, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/27/2015
Q&A on electrical outlets and oxygen cylinders
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about electrical outlets and oxygen cylinders
3/27/2015
Stretch Forming by Linetec curves and finishes architectural aluminum products in one location
3/27/2015
Cleaning duties 'not always clear' between nurses and EVS
A lack of clarity identified by NHS infection control inspectors in Scotland
3/26/2015
Construction is adjusting to meet healthcare's needs
Off-campus, outpatient development activity is far exceeding on-campus, inpatient projects
3/26/2015
A third of Manitoba care facilities don't have sprinklers
Province says all facilities will have sprinkler systems in the next ten years
3/26/2015
Improving healthcare disinfecting practice
Barriers to overcome include germs' invisibility, staff concerns about disinfectant safety and damage to surfaces
3/26/2015
FGI explores future of healthcare guidelines
Experts discuss what major drivers shaping the future of healthcare and the future of FGI might be, according to an article on the healthcare Design website
3/26/2015
Antimicrobial limitations Q&A
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, the limitations of antimicrobial products is discussed
3/26/2015
Daikin Technology ushers in new era of HVAC capabilities with integration of internet of things
3/26/2015
Eaton's Halo product line named leader in lighting by BUILDER Magazine for the 17th consecutive year
3/26/2015
First hospital in the cloud opens in China
The cloud hospital is one of the new ways that the Chinese people can get medical attention more quickly
3/25/2015
Weak IT security programs may spell disaster for healthcare organizations' bottom lines
'Bring Your Own Device' policies pose a challenge for IT security staff and anti-malware tools
3/25/2015
Survey shows one in three hospitals showing rise in violence
Forty-six percent of the respondents reported increasing their security budgets in 2014
3/25/2015
Young adult cancer institute project based on key client principles
Planning for cancer Institute based on principles of participation, collaboration and information-sharing, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/25/2015
Tennessee health systems pouring millions into expansions
Parkridge Health System in is the latest area medical center aiming for a major expansion plan in the next several years
3/25/2015
Explore differences in how staff and senior management perceive risks
A gap in perceptions of the level of risk often emerges between the people closest to the danger and those at some distance
3/25/2015
Consistent cleaning and disinfection protocols creates safe patient environment
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and shared equipment is an important step in preventing the spread of dangerous pathogens
3/25/2015
Minneapolis clinic embraces open workspaces
New University of Minnesota clinic will provide a model of collaborative workspaces for healthcare facilities
3/24/2015
Healthcare parking structures can earn green certification
Garages can earn Green Garage Certification through a new program administered by the Green Parking Council
3/24/2015
Computerized system can address preventive maintenance mistakes
A computerized maintenance management system and a preventive maintenance strategy can increase a building's life span, save money and reduce equipment downtime
3/24/2015
Michigan hospital project aims to lower emergency room misuse
New $9.6 million Grand Haven project includes a collaborative space for mental health services and the Greater Ottawa County United Way
3/24/2015
Modular hospital project causes legal troubles
Lawsuits allege that a Legionella outbreak began as a result of water pressure tests and water introduced into the modules before they were transported to the hospital site
3/24/2015
Pop-up hospitals are increasingly popular around the world
Some traditional hospitals rely on pop-up construction to meet seasonal or special needs
3/24/2015
Senior living facilities customize laundry operations
Presbyterian Senior Living's 29 communities customize laundry based on the demographics of the residents and the constraints of a particular campus
3/24/2015
Input sought on increasing the allowable smoke compartment in hospitals
National Fire Protection Association proposing change for the 2018 revision of the 2015 edition of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
3/24/2015
Valspar celebrates 50 years of Fluropon, the first 70% PVDF architectural coating in the industry
3/24/2015
Denver VA hospital $1 billion over budget
The Aurora VA hospital project has been plagued by construction delays and cost overruns for years
3/23/2015
S.C. YMCA, physician practice share facility
Ballentine facility combines medical offices with a fitness center
3/23/2015
Louisville Kindred project design advances
Conditional approval backed for the design of the proposed Kindred Healthcare $36 million
3/23/2015
Ice damages Pennsylvania VA healthcare center
Ice and cold damaged the recently built community health center at the VA Butler Healthcare System
3/23/2015
Hazards found in Georgia hospital elevators
More than one-third of the elevators inside Doctors, Trinity and University hospitals, and on the Georgia Regents Health System campus, had at least one violation last year
3/23/2015
10 benefits of BIM for healthcare facility development projects
Building Information Modeling is a strong pillar that promotes informed decision making which has several cascading effects on the construction process and lifecycle of a building
3/23/2015
Healthcare needs to adapt to survive
Providers and the teams that design their spaces need to keep changing, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/23/2015
Fieldview Solutions unveils next generation of data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools
3/23/2015
Chicago hospital kitchens not inspected for years
City, state assumed the other was inspecting hospital kitchens
3/20/2015
Nebraska Medical Center shares Ebola protocols
Nebraska Biocontainment Unit shares information on Ebola patient discharge, handling a patient's body after death and environmental disinfection
3/20/2015
Oklahoma City children's hospital welcomes patients with colorful sculptures
The Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center features Matthew Placzek's 'Spirit' sculpture on its campus, according to an article and slide show on the Healthcare Design website
3/20/2015
Canadian hospitals praised for carbon footprint reduction
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare has been making headway on its energy reduction efforts
3/20/2015
ECRI certification program for healthcare environmental managers is online
Course addressed skills related to workforce safety, emergency management, infection prevention and other hazardous situations
3/20/2015
Hospitals partner with medical fitness centers
Akron General builds centers that promote wellness and boost branding
3/20/2015
New Moen Express Direct shipping program provides same-day shipping to better serve customers
3/20/2015
Florida hospital responds to mold discovery
UF Health Shands in Gainsville finds mold in patient bathroom
3/19/2015
Health system looks for 'Starbucks seal of approval' when picking outpatient sites
MedStar Health shifting focus from inpatient to ambulatory and establish a stronger outpatient presence in Baltimore and Washington
3/19/2015
Three Fresno hospitals cited for high infection rates
Facilities have been targeted for help by state public health officials
3/19/2015
Design changes suggested after Australian nursing home fire kills 14
Coroner suggests doors and corridors should be constructed to enable rapid movement of beds in emergencies
3/19/2015
Hospitals say better design means better care
Poor design can make it easier for infections to spread or create irritating noise
3/19/2015
Improve patient ratings with a motivated ES staff
One-on-one coaching with staff members helps boast patient satisfaction
3/19/2015
New Joplin hospital built to weather storms
The new facility replaces the tornado-ravaged St. John's Regional Medical Center with a stronger, state-of-the-art hospital
3/19/2015
Working in healthcare becoming a risky business
Healthcare workers in general, and ED staff in particular, face a huge risk of violence
3/18/2015
Hospitals preparing for every infectious disease
Potential cases of highly infectious diseases have left hospitals on high alert
3/18/2015
Former Hannibal hospital may get asbestos abatement
Before a renovation of the former St. Elizabeth Hospital can be considered, a cleanout of a section of the complex would have to occur
3/18/2015
Designing for an aging population
Many acute care environments are inadequately designed to support seniors, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/18/2015
Resilient design helps hospitals weather natural disasters
Over the last decade, natural disasters have damaged or destroyed a number of U.S. healthcare facilities
3/18/2015
Adapting facilities for primary care needs
Health systems are adjusting their scale and size for contracting strength with insurers, access to capital or cost-efficiencies
3/18/2015
Technology just part of effective wayfinding
Statistics show that 80 percent of patients are not given adequate wayfinding information before they get to a facility
3/18/2015
Bradley's new Express ELX-Series lavatory system offers updated and cost-effective multi-user design
3/18/2015
Merging healthcare organizations need an operational efficiencies plan
A business plan of operational efficiency is a comprehensive, action-oriented system integration plan
3/17/2015
Rules can encourage or stifle senior facility innovation
Two states will have very different opportunities in the coming years
3/17/2015
N.C. bill would end Certificate-of-Need requirement for some facilities
A bill would exempt several types of medical facilities from needing a certificate of need to begin or expand operations
3/17/2015
Fast food industry may offer patient-care clues
McDonald's quality-improvement effort has lessons for healthcare industry
3/17/2015
Monitoring technology can improve care, efficiency
Context-aware monitoring systems based on real-time locating system (RTLS) technology can offer such information as location of equipment and staff
3/17/2015
Intelligent building technology can trim hospital costs
Technology and data from building systems give facility teams information they can use to reduce operating costs
3/17/2015
TOMI Environmental Solutions, Inc. announces company presentation at the Global Business Roundtable
3/17/2015
California working on hospital violence standards
Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued a draft regulatory proposal that would require healthcare employers to develop workplace violence prevention plans
3/16/2015
Paint creates self-cleaning surface
Coating can be applied to clothes, paper, glass and steel and when combined with adhesives, maintains its self-cleaning properties after being wiped, scratched with a knife and scuffed with sandpaper
3/16/2015
N.Y. health center technologically advanced, patient-friendly
Employees helped design the new $9.5 million Warrensburg Health Center
3/16/2015
Case Study: Bluewater Health renovation
Bluewater opted for reconfigurable furniture solutions rather than fixed built-ins in more than 80 percent of their new facility
3/16/2015
Oregon hospital fined for mislabeling hazardous waste
Oregon Healthy and Science University was cited for not labeling, or labeling inappropriately, hazardous waste containers in its storage facilities
3/16/2015
Report highlights healthcare construction risks
New advisory examines the potential environmental risks facing new construction or renovation of healthcare construction projects
3/16/2015
OSHA announces final rule on procedures for handling retaliation complaints under Sarbanes-Oxley Act
3/16/2015
British Columbia attacks on nurses blamed on lack of compliance
Every B.C. health authority has been penalized after violent incidents in their facilities
3/13/2015
Alaska hospital takes part in 3-day disaster drill
South Peninsula Hospital to simulate a mass casualty, mass fatality, partial evacuation and the creation of an alternate care site
3/13/2015
Design planning priorities: Focusing on efficiency, safety and technology
Safety should extend beyond the patient. The records that hospitals and healthcare facilities must maintain for patients needs to be secure.
3/13/2015
EPA updates hazardous waste pharmaceuticals standards
Disposing of pharmaceuticals regulated as hazardous waste posed a problem for facilities
3/13/2015
How healthcare facilities can minimize vulnerability to shootings
Risk management experts recommend that all healthcare facilities have a disaster preparedness and emergency operation plan
3/12/2015
Children's hospital used art to lift spirits
Royal London Children's Hospital partnered with arts organizations to turn the hospital's walls into bright, positive distractions for its patients, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/12/2015
Making the case for sustainability
Study refutes the belief that environmental sustainability measures increase operating costs
3/12/2015
Nurse's Ebola lawsuit could be landmark for patient safety
Ebola survivor's suit against Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and parent company Texas Health Resources could be an important case
3/12/2015
Trends in healthcare have been good for the construction industry
Move from inpatient to outpatient settings has meant billions of dollars in projects
3/12/2015
Q&A on sleeping suites
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about sleeping suites
3/12/2015
Vestagen's Vestex protective garments awarded exclusive endorsement by American Hospital Association
3/12/2015
Shootings raising safety concerns at hospitals
Death of a Boston surgeon was another in an increasingly frequent series of 'active shooter' incidents in U.S. healthcare facilities
3/11/2015
Wisconsin hospital has TV studio for in-house programming
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital produces and broadcasts game shows for patients
3/11/2015
Research shows facility design does affect patient satisfaction
Media missed point of recent study that explored what role the physical environment played in improving inpatient hospital scores, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/11/2015
'Hospital of the future' opens in Colorado
St. Anthony North Health Campus emphasizes outpatient, health and wellness
3/11/2015
Washington Court House hospital to upgrade its energy systems
Fayette County Memorial Hospital awarded $2.6 million in financing to assist in implementing its energy conservation and management program
3/11/2015
When to use low-moisture carpet cleaning
Low-moisture carpet typically refers to a method that uses no water or a very moderate amount of water
3/11/2015
McCarthy completes construction of $456 million Prebys Cardiovascular Institute in La Jolla
3/11/2015
Addressing flu and pneumonia at skilled nursing facilities
The only way to prevent an outbreak is by addressing all three primary transmission vectors at once: airborne pathogens, surface contact and person-to-person contact
3/10/2015
Study says germs lurking in waiting rooms
There's an increased risk of developing flu-like infections after a visit to the doctor's office
3/10/2015
Building materials an issue in proposed N.J. healthcare center project
Developer wants to use combustible construction materials
3/10/2015
Indiana hospital flushes water system after Legionella infections
Two infections at IU Health LaPorte Hospital lead the facility to flush its water system
3/10/2015
N.J. office building transformed into wellness facility
Chambers Center For Well Being built from 40-year-old structure
3/10/2015
Technology intelligence fuels healthcare security
Blended personnel and technology solutions can give healthcare administrators the power to make informed decisions that deliver even greater return on their security investment.
3/10/2015
Surviving the Joint Commission survey
Results for any testing process are likely to be better with effective preparation
3/9/2015
Hospitals focusing more on patient comfort
Studies suggesting comforts mean more than fancy facilities
3/9/2015
Helipad finished in Pennsylvania hospital's emergency department project
Completion of helipad marks first milestone for York Hospital's $50 million emergency department renovation
3/9/2015
U.K. hospital withholds loan payments over fire issues
Peterborough City Hospital withholds 1.4m-pound payment to private finance initiative
3/9/2015
Design's role in medical tourism
CNN series explores price advantages - and posh design opportunities - in medical tourism, according to an article in on the Healthcare Design website
3/9/2015
At VA Hospitals, technology reduces nurses' injuries
The Loma Linda hospital is reducing the rate of lifting injuries by investing in equipment, training
3/6/2015
CDC investigating C. diff link to doctors' offices
The Centers for Disease Control says a substantial number of people contracted C. difficile who hadn't been in a hospital, but had recently visited the doctor or dentist
3/6/2015
Nurses need help with heavy lifting
Blog on Becker's Hospital Review website urges hospitals to invest in safety equipment
3/6/2015
An infection control expert's week
An infection prevention and control nurse specialist at the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin writes of a 'typical' week
3/6/2015
Maryland hospitals join to leverage state reimbursement
State tying payment to the size of patient populations covered by health networks
3/6/2015
Campus plan builds foundation for friendship
Facility planner, patient find common ground in fascination for architecture, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/6/2015
Collaborating on clinical space design
Well-designed clinical spaces require accommodating new technology, staff interaction and the human touch
3/6/2015
Kaiser Permanente makes biggest clean energy buy in healthcare
The health system will install 100 rooftop solar panels at its hospital, parking facilities and medical offices, which it says will decrease carbon emissions by 30 percent
3/5/2015
Market-based planning in a value-based world
Ratings of the quality of care did not improve any more than they did for patients treated in less plush facilities
3/5/2015
Sewage spill damages patient records, floods Australian hospital ER
Sewage spilled when a drain was blocked at the Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital in South Australia
3/5/2015
University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein plans modernization project
The $1.9 billion project is the largest public-private partnership project in Germany, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/5/2015
Study says luxury hospital upgrades not impressing patients
Ratings of the quality of care did not improve any more than they did for patients treated in less plush facilities
3/5/2015
Succeeding in the new healthcare environment
What changes are required to succeed in the new healthcare reform environment is a hot topic
3/5/2015
Arbor Solution unveils line of stylish multi-touch widescreen panel PCs for industrial applications
3/5/2015
Future of hospitals seen through frosted windows
Hospitals are designing facilities with innovative amenities to attract new patients
3/4/2015
Healthcare construction booming in Houston
Nine new buildings totaling more than 353,000 square feet were finished in the second half of 2014
3/4/2015
New Oregon clinic was put up in one day from six modular sections
Bandon clinic to combine the current primary care clinic and outpatient services
3/4/2015
N.C. health system steps up CRE screening, cleaning efforts
Carolinas HealthCare System screening for CRE, isolating infected patients and taking extra steps to decontaminate their rooms
3/4/2015
Designing for patients' support systems
Designers need to identify features that would facilitate the support process and make everyone feel at ease, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/4/2015
First ladies lend support to healing garden
Project will transform a gravel rooftop space at Children's National Health System into a 7,200-square-foot healing garden
3/4/2015
New facilities reflect healthcare's future
The healthcare industry is pouring billions of dollars into new hospitals and medical centers with more technology and amenities
3/3/2015
Three tips to make healthcare leasing a little easier
Facility planners have their work cut out for them when tackling a new lease or revisiting an old one
3/3/2015
California hospital begins $339 million project
Washington Hospital in Fremont breaks ground on Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion after delays
3/3/2015
Hospitals are re-imagining spaces
Survey shows that many hospitals and health systems will be repurposing existing spaces as they move their services into communities
3/3/2015
Designing a hybrid OR
Blog on Healthcare Design website discusses three elements to consider when planning a hybrid OR
3/3/2015
Power Purchase Agreements can help with facility infrastructure upgrades
A range of funding solutions, federal tax programs and many state and local incentives are available to help improve aging energy infrastructures
3/3/2015
Key points about hospital 'superbug' outbreak at UCLA
Two patients at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles have died after contracting carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections from improperly cleaned scopes
3/2/2015
Creating a culture of security in healthcare
When informed and educated about proper security procedures, hospital staff can take ownership in their personal safety and security
3/2/2015
Lifting injuries growing issue for nurses
Hospitals can prevent many of those injuries with special equipment to move patients
3/2/2015
Setting new standards for healthcare cleaning
There is a lack of conclusive evidence that previously suggested food-service levels of contamination relate to the prevention of healthcare-associated infections
3/2/2015
On-site laundry can have big impact on long-term care
Laundry rooms must also comply with certain design regulations to prevent the cross-contamination of clean and soiled linens
3/2/2015
Healthcare flooring best practices
Flooring should be durable, easy to maintain and should last more than 10 years
3/2/2015
Veteran designer looks at future of medical and dental space planning
Jain Malkin is one of the most respected experts in evidence-based design, says the Affordable Care Act has led to a rethinking of clinic space planning to achieve quality outcomes, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/2/2015