- March 2016
Elizabethkingia outbreak spreads from Wisconsin to Michigan
Rare and potentially deadly blood infection continues to spread throughout the Midwest
3/31/2016
Solar-powered sterilization box facility allows for safer surgeries in developing countries
Solar-powered facility helps sterilize medical tools for reuse
3/31/2016
Northwestern Memorial Hospital honored for forward-thinking design
Chicago healthcare facility receives 2016 Legacy Project Award from the ACHA
3/31/2016
Healthcare facility uses pets to help stressed-out clinicians
Rush University Medical Center in Chicago offers animal therapy sessions
3/31/2016
15 safety violations cited at VA hospital
OSHA cites healthcare facility in Little Rock for multiple hazards
3/31/2016
How to design a healthcare workplace
Options included opportunities for telemedicine and skipping the traditional conference room and using other types of seating for collaborative meetings, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/31/2016
Hospitals are prepared for events like Brussels bombings
Concerns over budget cuts are still a security concern
3/30/2016
Creating environments for the chronically ill
Health systems are experimenting with cost-effective, short-stay settings to treat and stabilize 'frequent flyer' patients, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/30/2016
Health system partners with Uber to transport patients
MedStar Health uses Uber to help patients get to and from their medical appointments safely
3/30/2016
Why customer service matters in healthcare
How a facility is perceived affects the amount of government funding it receives
3/30/2016
Managing the risks and disruption for healthcare construction
The disruption risk may be increased if the facility has multiple leases with service providers
3/30/2016
Common lapses in healthcare facility infection prevention
These mistakes are likely to lead to a CMS citation
3/30/2016
J.M. Electrical and 621 Energy announce solar installation at Massachusetts General Hospital
3/30/2016
Elizabethkingia death toll rises to 17 in Wisconsin
Geographic distribution of the cases makes no logical sense and tap water in Wisconsin turns up negative for the bacteria
3/29/2016
Nurse calls for increased hospital safety after attack
University of Minnesota Medical Center nurse urges change after being attacked by patient
3/29/2016
N.J. healthcare facility fighting for safer chemical regulations
Hackensack University Medical Center is working to rid healthcare devices and products of unsafe chemicals
3/29/2016
Survey shows outpatient construction doubled
Construction projects to address population health doubled across most categories
3/29/2016
Oklahoma hospital adjusting to campus expansion
Construction project triples the square footage of the St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital campus
3/29/2016
Paper and printing as a key source of communication for healthcare
There will always be a distinct, tangible need for a hard, physical iterations of documents
3/29/2016
WHO report: Non-communicable deaths increasing while deaths from infectious diseases decreasing
3/29/2016
C. diff called deadly plague American hospitals refuse to face
Opinion piece in the New York Post says hospitals and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are bungling their response to spread of infection
3/28/2016
The physical environment can improve healthcare
Patient safety has to be part of every department mission to be effective
3/28/2016
Hospitals seeing need to improve their physical environment
There has been a growing emphasis on creating environments that enhance staff experience
3/28/2016
Hospital parking permit plan has staff fearing for safety
657 hospital employees were refused parking permits on site during normal working hours
3/28/2016
Healthcare enters new cybersecurity era
Targeted attacks appear to be significantly more threatening
3/28/2016
Q&A on locks on patient sleeping rooms
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about locks on patient sleeping rooms
3/28/2016
Legrand empowers Women of Middle Atlantic at elle@LegrandNA New Jersey Chapter kickoff event
3/28/2016
ROCKFON breaks ground on its first North American acoustic ceiling panel manufacturing facility
3/28/2016
Are biofilms from hospital shower pipes harmful?
Some new bacteria with characteristics of species known to be harmful were seen
3/24/2016
New emergency facility planned for downtown Toledo
New 29,000-square-foot facility will expand surgical services
3/24/2016
Study looks at disinfection of mobile devices
Healthcare facilities must clean mobile surfaces properly
3/24/2016
Illinois hospital project hits roadblock
Refusal of expansion plan hurts proposed Franciscan St. James Health restructuring
3/24/2016
Patients leaving hospitals with superbugs on their hands
Few healthcare facilities make patient hand-washing a priority
3/24/2016
Noise and vibration monitoring eases hospital renovation projects
Real-time monitoring systems create more informed projects
3/24/2016
PennSMART brings IoT lighting systems and streetscapes to smart cities, municipalities and campuses
3/24/2016
Canadian hospital handles ransomware attack
Ottawa hospital restored its computers after wiping their hard drives
3/23/2016
Atlanta hospital upgrades environmental services
Gwinnett Medical Center maintains its operating budget while servicing more square footage
3/23/2016
Improving the patient discharge process
The University Health System in San Antonio opened a transitional care center that serves those who’ve been discharged but aren’t able to immediately walk out the door, as well as patients waiting for a bed, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/23/2016
Keys to healthcare facility maintenance excellence
Preventive and predictive maintenance, preventive maintenance optimization and corrective maintenance are important factors
3/23/2016
CDC compares hospital cleaning methods
Research aims at narrowing down best practices for reducing HAIs
3/23/2016
Gives Independence members enhanced access to care via digital channels and virtual visits 24/7/365
3/23/2016
Power cut off for hospital in Puerto Rico that owes $4 million
Utility said it waited for surgeries to end before pulling the plug
3/22/2016
Bacterial biofilms in hospital water pipes may be pathogenic
Researchers discover potentially pathogenic bacteria living inside water supply pipes
3/22/2016
Working with law enforcement for better healthcare facility security
Communicating a potential threat to all staff members is key
3/22/2016
Va. move to allow nursing home cameras delayed
Original bill changed guidelines for voluntary regulations
3/22/2016
Florida outpatient center designed with Lean principles
Lee Memorial Health System builds its first Lean-designed facility
3/22/2016
Healthcare industry needs new building types
Emerging building types need to integrate services into unique market offerings, creating multispecialty programs that share identity, staff, and equipment, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/22/2016
Health monitoring device adoption to triple to 70M by 2020 as FDA approvals open the floodgates
3/22/2016
Kansas College Hospitals to allow guns on campus
The hospitals will hire additional officers and ban guns in certain buildings
3/21/2016
Hospitality a key component for senior care facilities
The little things are making the difference to residents
3/21/2016
Healthcare facilities are among the most common applications for antimicrobial and antibacterial coatings
Antimicrobial agents are toxic to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while antibacterial agents are effective against bacteria
3/21/2016
Ohio behavioral facility reviewing security after employees assaulted
Two court-ordered patients at Heartland Behavioral Healthcare escaped the facility by stealing an employee's car
3/21/2016
Healthcare construction growth led by MOBs
Medical office building square footage expected to nearly double in 2016
3/21/2016
Nevada healthcare project worked to engage surrounding city
The Union Village project in Henderson, Nev., built relationships with its local community while building its facilities, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/21/2016
Hospitals changing ERs to meet demand for routine care
Some hospitals are trying to make the ER experience more convenient for patients
3/18/2016
Hospitals using healing power of nature
Research finds patients with bedside windows looking out on trees healed, on average, a day quicker
3/18/2016
Dominican Republic cardiovascular center designed around tree theme
Each floor abstracted the colors of the trees in different seasons. The palette goes from earthly tones to bright and vivid with a distinctive color as part of the wayfinding system, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website.
3/18/2016
Ontario healthcare facility to close cafeteria to 'stem losses'
Brantford General Hospital's cafeteria only operated a few hours a day
3/18/2016
Focus on positive patient experiences is the new trend for healthcare equipment
Ergonomically designed workstations support complex and changing care workflows
3/18/2016
Sacramento healthcare facility loses backup power due to flooding
Sutter Medical Center’s main hospital was forced to postpone or relocate 50 surgeries
3/18/2016
What is Elizabethkingia, the rare bacterial infection spreading in Wisconsin?
It is believed to be spread by a procedure, device or fluid in a healthcare setting
3/17/2016
Charlotte VA Health Care Center designed for one-stop care
New facility is a $104 million, five-story brick-and-glass structure
3/17/2016
Stolen laptop leads to data breach in Kansas healthcare facility
Valley Hope Association announced a data security breach after a work-issued laptop is stolen from an employee’s car
3/17/2016
Healthcare laundry equipment installed ‘cleanly’ at medical research facility
Installers had to strip, shower and change into scrubs, shoes and hair nets provided to do the work
3/17/2016
Infection rates decline at Florida hospital
Infection rates decreased at Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital after the hospital began using germ-zapping robots
3/17/2016
Renovated space in Connecticut designed for streamlined care
Stamford Hospital's new outpatient medical building includes several new concepts to increase efficiency
3/17/2016
Lunera Lighting introduces LightStream Lighting as a service - the Zero CapEx Energy Upgrade
3/17/2016
Dealing with workplace violence at ambulatory care facilities
Freestanding site healthcare workers' risk may be elevated because police or security officers are not routinely assigned to these locations
3/16/2016
Throwback photo of hospital ship
The USS Repose and USS Sanctuary provided care during the war in Vietnam.
3/16/2016
Massachusetts healthcare facilities commit to antibiotic stewardship through food purchasing
Hospitals are partnering with Massachusetts Hospital Association and Health Care Without Harm
3/16/2016
Vermont healthcare facility honored for food service
University of Vermont Medical Center is recognized by The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association with 2016 Silver Plate Awards
3/16/2016
Q&A on connecting bridges
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about connecting bridges
3/16/2016
Lean approach can boost OR cleaning efficiency
Operating rooms often feel pressure for quick turnover times
3/16/2016
Hospital held ransom highlights healthcare as a vulnerable cyber target
Facility management can improve their decision-making and potential crisis outcomes by coming up with a plan in advance
3/15/2016
Rain blamed as cost of Austin hospital rises
Price tag for new teaching hospital hits $310 million
3/15/2016
Healthcare facilities evolving as America's obesity rates rise
Sturdier medical equipment and heavier-duty hospital beds have been developed, but lifts are still an issue
3/15/2016
NFMT session to address 'Infection Control: Expecting the Unexpected'
The 2016 National Facilities Management & Technology event offers three full days of education, speakers, networking with peers, and a giant expo hall. All for free.
3/15/2016
Modernizing healthcare facility management
As devices become more connected and building systems more advanced, the facility manager's role will evolve
3/15/2016
Changes to ICC building and fire codes
Code changes were developed for both the IBC and the IFC, and many passed for the 2015 versions
3/15/2016
Changes to ICC building and fire codes
Code changes were developed for both the IBC and the IFC, and many passed for the 2015 versions
3/15/2016
Elite are among America's germiest hospitals
One-third of hospitals rated by Consumer Reports got low scores on how well they prevent Clostridium difficile
3/14/2016
Facility management leaders discuss the next generation
More than half of today’s facility managers are expected to retire in the next five to 15 years
3/14/2016
UV mobile device sterilizer designed to reduce contamination
Device management system disinfects mobile devices while charging, syncing and managing them
3/14/2016
South Dakota hospital to lose Medicare funding over safety issues
Issues include broken sterilizing equipment and reports of a woman giving birth to a premature baby on a bathroom floor
3/14/2016
Where to find inspiration for healthcare design
One site to look at for inspiration in this area is OpenIDEO, a global community working together to design solutions for the world’s biggest challenges, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/14/2016
Ensuring hospital power system reliability
Planning, design, installation, inspection, maintenance all play a part
3/14/2016
Lead found in water at N.J. healthcare facility
The staff has been using bottled water in lieu of tap water for drinking and food preparation at Morristown Medical Center
3/11/2016
'Five-star' hospital planned in Dubai
Luxury services offered by the hospital will include fine dining and spa treatments
3/11/2016
Freestanding EDs growing in popularity
These facilities are generally built away from existing emergency services with regulatory and code requirements that may allow for less costly staffing models, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/11/2016
Free webcast offered on reducing hospital-acquired infections
The CleanLink webcast's learning objectives include reviewing key infection control hot spots specific to healthcare, and discussing how reduce their risk
3/11/2016
Joint Commission updates sentinel event statistics
Most frequently reported types of events and the most frequently identified root causes are included
3/11/2016
NFMT session to address compliance training of hospital employees for infection control
The 2016 National Facilities Management & Technology event offers three full days of education, speakers, networking with peers, and a giant expo hall. All for free.
3/11/2016
ERs working to improve autistic patients' experience
More healthcare facilities are adding comfort aids, quiet waiting rooms
3/11/2016
2016 Vista Award winners announced
ASHE honors new construction, renovation and infrastructure projects
3/11/2016
Eaton introduces integrated RackPack IT platform for simplified deployment of IT infrastructure
3/11/2016
Wisconsin health officials search for source of deadly infections
Elizabethkingia anophelis has been linked to 18 deaths and 44 cases of infection in southern part of state
3/10/2016
Indiana hospital disarms its police officers
IU Health La Porte's security force was disarmed when Community Health Systems officially took ownership of 80 percent of the facility
3/10/2016
Facility renovation focuses on healthy living
Watertown Regional Medical Center's 36,000-square-foot addition includes a renovated kitchen and dining area called Harvest Market Kitchen and Bistro
3/10/2016
Antibacterial properties of graphene-oxide explored
Coating medical instruments and devices in the carbon-based material could help to reduce infections
3/10/2016
NFMT event to include a panel for young professionals
The 2016 National Facilities Management & Technology event offers three full days of education, speakers, networking with peers, and a giant expo hall. All for free.
3/10/2016
Designing a medical school to serve a changing industry
One goal is to keep it small and have very personalized approaches to students
3/10/2016
Minnesota hospitals best-rated rooms
Five hospitals were recognized by patients for having the cleanest rooms
3/10/2016
Simplify rooftop unit troubleshooting with Fault Detection and Diagnostics from Champion HVAC
3/10/2016
Southern California hospitals releasing CRE into municipal sewers
Environmental Protection Agency discovered carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in a treatment plant
3/9/2016
Rubber flooring can enhance healthcare facility safety
In healthcare, aesthetic concerns take a back seat to good hygiene in a pathogen-laden environment
3/9/2016
NICU adds parent resource library
Connecticut Children's Medical Center's NICU library is located next to the department and provides books and other informational materials to patients' families, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/9/2016
Disposing of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals
Healthcare facilities should evaluate the best management practices for regulated facilities
3/9/2016
NFMT event to include women in facilities management roundtable discussion
The 2016 National Facilities Management & Technology event offers three full days of education, speakers, networking with peers, and a giant expo hall. All for free.
3/9/2016
Do armed guards make health facility pharmacies safer?
Fifty-two percent of hospital security guards currently carry handguns, according to a 2014 International Healthcare Security and Safety Foundation report
3/9/2016
New prototype to address ER overcrowding
Neighbors Emergency Center rethinking traditional layouts and processes
3/9/2016
Some fear free-standing emergency rooms are being confused with urgent care facilities
Free-standing emergency departments are a growing trend in Central Ohio
3/8/2016
Creating a good first impression for a senior care facility
A good way to ensure a positive impression is by thinking of all of the five senses
3/8/2016
Joint and spine center boasts comforts of home
Christ Hospital facility's patient rooms feature entertainment systems
3/8/2016
NFMT session to explore a BIM lifecycle case study on Carolinas HealthCare System facilities
The 2016 National Facilities Management & Technology event offers three full days of education, speakers, networking with peers, and a giant expo hall. All for free.
3/8/2016
StoneSprings Hospital Center pared down to maximize efficiency
The project team looked for opportunities to maximize efficiency, improve departmental adjacencies and enhance internal circulation, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/8/2016
Workplace wellness on the rise
From health education to on-site gyms, organizations are implementing significant changes to offset the rising cost of healthcare
3/8/2016
Keeping elderly patients safe and secure
Video interview discusses the issues associated with providing a safe environment for patients with memory and other issues
3/7/2016
Create a safe space for bathing dementia patients
Secure seating, effective lighting, contrasting colors and a mirrorless room, can help lessen bathing anxiety, according to an article on the Longterm Living magazine website
3/7/2016
Today's smoke evacuators clear surgical smoke at the source
Latest devices can be affordable, quiet and effective
3/7/2016
Hospital design brings in natural light
One of the latest trends in healthcare facilities is connecting with nature using windows and natural daylight
3/7/2016
NFMT session to address 'Infection Control: Expecting the Unexpected'
The 2016 National Facilities Management & Technology event offers three full days of education, speakers, networking with peers, and a giant expo hall. All for free.
3/7/2016
Lean initiatives can help healthcare facilities' environmental services' bottom line
A recent survey reported that most healthcare environmental services leaders have felt pressure to keep costs down
3/7/2016
Study finds increase in use when hand sanitizer is located in hospital lobby
Placing alcohol-based hand sanitizers in front of the visitor entrance increases visitor usage by 528 percent
3/7/2016
Height-adjustable bathroom fixtures can make life easier for people with mobility challenges
Fixtures have been designed to allow quick and easy height and position adjustability
3/6/2016
Ways healthcare facilities can reduce their environmental footprint
Industry urged to lead the way on climate change
3/4/2016
Hospitals to cut purchases of furniture with antimicrobials
The Safer Chemicals Challenge is created to reduce the use of five chemicals in healthcare facilities
3/4/2016
Continuing care facilities offer range of options
Hybrid facilities offer independent living apartments, assisted-living support, home care, a nursing home and often specialized memory care
3/4/2016
Cardiovascular care facility removes fabrics to boost infection control
Allegheny General Hospital's new $26 million cardiovascular care facility has minimal linen and no curtains
3/4/2016
Selecting a healthcare facility's uninterruptible power supply
UPS units regulate voltage when imaging equipment is in use, ensuring scans are successful and the facility does not lose power
3/4/2016
Designing a biocontainment unit
Early involvement of the frontline staff is crucial to creating a unit that meets the complex safety, operational, and psychological needs of clinicians, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/4/2016
Preparing for the emergencies in a healthcare facility
The challenge is to strike a balance between creating a secure facility and maintaining an open, welcoming environment
3/3/2016
Lighting company testing fixtures that can kill bacteria
Researchers determined a wavelength of light — 405 nanometers — can kill bacteria by creating a reaction that’s identical to pouring common household bleach on it
3/3/2016
California hospital to lay off 96 employees
Layoffs will include security, food service and housekeeping
3/3/2016
Design can help a healthcare facility save energy
Study shows the need to accelerate the sustainability movement in healthcare
3/3/2016
NFMT session to address compliance training of hospital employees for infection control
The 2016 National Facilities Management & Technology event offers three full days of education, speakers, networking with peers, and a giant expo hall. All for free.
3/3/2016
Q&A on interior finish
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about interior finish
3/3/2016
ES staff forms choir to boost patient engagement
The University of North Carolina Hospitals Environmental Services Gospel Choir has changed the perception of what the housekeeping team is capable of doing
3/3/2016
Flint's water never tested for Legionella
CDC advised against testing the municipal water system, focusing instead on testing buildings
3/2/2016
Lessening ED stress with design
The Cleveland Clinic has been working to create a unified identity for its facilities with environments that help to lessen stress and anxiety, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/2/2016
Throwback photo of disaster planning
St. Louis hospitals revise disaster planning after tornado
3/2/2016
Intensifying HAI prevention: Standardized manual cleaning plus UV disinfection equals best current practice
One of the biggest challenges for every hospital EVS department is achieving consistency
3/2/2016
NFMT event to include a panel for young professionals
The 2016 National Facilities Management & Technology event offers three full days of education, speakers, networking with peers, and a giant expo hall. All for free.
3/2/2016
Low-voltage infrastructure important for healthcare facilities
A seamless activation of information communication technology systems is possible, but requires planning, collaboration and expertise
3/2/2016
Medical school uses renovated space in Cleveland Clinic hospital
$14.4 million project included classrooms, laboratories, a learning resources center, a clinical training and assessment center and simulated exam rooms
3/2/2016
Hospitals need dependable and cost-efficient power
Most hospitals operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and must deal with a unique set of regulations and technical requirements
3/1/2016
Benchmarks for hospital room cleaning times
Hospital room cleaning-time benchmarks should be specific with regard to room type, cleaning procedure and whether isolation precautions were present
3/1/2016
Study says copper surfaces destroy MRSA
Contamination often occurs via fingertips, drying rapidly unlike visible droplets
3/1/2016
Industry leaders say durability and flexibility key for hospital infrastructure
The Academy for Healthcare Infrastructure (AHI) established five teams to identify strategies for achieving those goals
3/1/2016
NFMT event to include women in facilities management roundtable discussion
The 2016 National Facilities Management & Technology event offers three full days of education, speakers, networking with peers, and a giant expo hall. All for free.
3/1/2016
N.Y. hospital security manager puts safety first
Retired police senior investigator now at Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel
3/1/2016
N.C. gets $9 million mobile disaster hospital
Federal Surplus Property has donated the FEMA-authorized mobile hospital unit to the state’s Office of Emergency Medical Services
3/1/2016