- April 2016
Children banned from hospital's roof garden due to safety fears
Use of the roof top garden in the specialist unit on Scotland's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital site had to be banned amid fears it was dangerous for patients and people walking below
4/29/2016
Violence-plagued Minnesota hospital on lockdown after man threatens self-immolation
Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center has been seeking funding to bring violence and a rash of workplace injuries under control
4/29/2016
Non-emergency patients steered away from Dubai hospital’s new ER
Patients are encouraged to use non-emergency healthcare facilities for minor conditions
4/29/2016
Hollywood healthcare facility plans $200 million expansion
CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center has announced the first phase of a 10-year, $200 million plan to expand and modernize
4/29/2016
Planning a hybrid operating room for flexibility
Designing must be done with both current and future needs in mind
4/29/2016
Patient meals declared a safety issue at N.Z. hospital
Poor quality of patient meals has become a staff safety issue in mental health wards
4/29/2016
What can behavioral healthcare facilities do to reduce workplace violence?
Established policies and procedures can foster safety, according to an article on the Behavioral Healthcare
4/29/2016
CDC hasn't yet found source of Elizabethkingia outbreak in Wisconsin
The CDC said it “ruled out high-threat sources” including common medical products and tools and municipal water systems
4/28/2016
Going tobacco free can be hard for healthcare facilities
Enforcing a tobacco-free policy that prohibits people from using tobacco in healthcare facilities and on campus grounds can be complicated
4/28/2016
Technology modernizes Illinois hospital's emergency planning
Software centralizes critical building information for first responders
4/28/2016
Simulation centers can help support healthcare
Components to be considered in a simulation center include the room, equipment and infrastructure requirements
4/28/2016
U.K. care village cited for failure to make improvements
A Scunthorpe care village that was branded 'inadequate' by health inspectors last September has failed to make improvements
4/28/2016
Healthcare facilities serve free meals for kids
Three Presbyterian hospitals are the first in New Mexico to offer free meals for children
4/28/2016
6 Illinois deaths tied to different strain of Elizabethkingia than seen in Wisconsin
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that the strain is genetically distinct
4/27/2016
FDA increases estimate of scope-related infections
Food and Drug Administration says the number is closer to 350
4/27/2016
Hospitals are adopting high-tech innovations
3-D printed building models, telemedicine drones and mega RFID systems among the advances
4/27/2016
Should healthcare design see the light (bulb)?
Healthcare design professionals can look to the lighting industry for insight, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/27/2016
California hospital ripped over stalled tower
The hospital tower project at Tulare Regional Medical Center remains unfinished
4/27/2016
Hospitals and mixed-use are a good fit
Adding hotels and restaurants around a hospital can bring in new patients
4/27/2016
Q&A on emergency outlet locations
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about emergency outlet locations
4/27/2016
Texas A&M releases recommendations on 'campus carry' law
System officials still want to ban firearms in certain parts of campus, including healthcare facilities
4/26/2016
GAO focuses on violence in healthcare settings
Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recommends actions to address violence directed at the healthcare workers
4/26/2016
Hospital sterilizing departments recognized
The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management has announced the winners of its 2016 awards
4/26/2016
Options for funding energy-efficiency projects
Financing alternatives can help healthcare facilities launch green initiatives
4/26/2016
Garden supporters sue to stop Boston Children's Hospital expansion
Mass. attorney general won't intervene in hospital plans to demolish garden
4/26/2016
Nominate an exceptional cleaning manager
Facility Cleaning Decisions award recognizes managers of cleaning operations
4/26/2016
Designing for a rapidly changing cancer care environment
Institutions are moving cancer centers into the community to better serve the patient population
4/26/2016
Getting improvements through hospital renovation planning
The right renovation or expansion can bring leadership on board for needed improvements
4/26/2016
Golden Living and SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania highlight pathway to $15 an hour wage agreement
4/26/2016
Health Care Institute vice president appointed to international organization’s executive council
4/26/2016
New air balance manual includes chapter on testing, balancing healthcare facilities
The manual details the minimum standards for total system balance, assists design professionals in achieving design intent and ensures that proper methods and procedures are followed
4/25/2016
Post-occupancy evaluation shows the benefits of evidence-based design
There is an increasing demand for insight into how a specific design or layout affects occupants
4/25/2016
It's time to design for aging
An architect looked into the architecture that serves older adults and didn't like what he saw
4/25/2016
Factors to consider when choosing a venue for healthcare training
Infographic describes seven factors to consider when choosing a venue for healthcare training
4/25/2016
10 top patient safety hazards of 2016 named
ECRI Institute includes inadequate cleaning and disinfection of flexible endoscopes in list
4/25/2016
Technology and physician shortages affect how healthcare is delivered in rural areas
Research is exploring what best practices can be used to create facilities that answer rural hospitals’ objectives, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/25/2016
Fall prevention standards called potential game changer
The healthcare industry has the highest percentage of accident claim costs associated with falls
4/25/2016
Healthcare facilities
Healthcare facilities must cope with the challenges of energy management in a mission-critical environment
4/24/2016
Wisconsin officials waited months to announce Elizabethkingia outbreak
Wisconsin Department of Health Services began investigating the outbreak of Elizabethkingia in December
4/22/2016
Rethinking traditional ED design
Neighbors Health System changed the traditional layout and operations of the emergency department to reduce the time patients wait to see a doctor, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/22/2016
Understanding a medical office lease
More systems are putting medical offices into former retail or office spaces
4/22/2016
Life safety assessments for healthcare facilities
Hiring a qualified architecture and engineering firm is the best way to ensure a smooth and successful process
4/22/2016
New facilities created to treat mental health emergencies
Extended boarding in chaotic emergency departments called detrimental to patients and physicians
4/22/2016
Geisinger CEO speaks about system's efforts on patient satisfaction
In his first year at the helm of Geisinger Health System, the focus of David Feinberg, MD, includes improved patient experience
4/22/2016
Coordinated response urged for emerging superbug
Simulation shows coordinated efforts prevented more than 75 percent of the infections
4/22/2016
Convenience of retail clinics changing industry
Americans seek out after-hours care or care in a hospital’s emergency room more often than citizens of almost any other industrialized nation
4/21/2016
Maintaining data security while moving
Healthcare data security must remain a top priority, even when changing locations
4/21/2016
Rethinking reading room design
Evolving technologies and collaborative decision-making means patient diagnoses and treatments are being made by multidisciplinary teams, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/21/2016
Report focuses on improving cleaning and disinfection of surfaces
Traditional manual cleaning and disinfection practices in hospitals are often lacking
4/21/2016
Guide focuses on how hospital's physical environment can impact patient experience
American Society for Healthcare Engineering develops report to educate hospital leaders on ways to improve HCAHPS scores
4/21/2016
Detroit hospital cancels surgeries because of discolored water
Patients, staff use bottled water, hand sanitizer at Henry Ford Hospital
4/20/2016
Detroit hospital cancels surgeries because of discolored water
Patients, staff use bottled water, hand sanitizer at Henry Ford Hospital
4/20/2016
Houston area building, expanding hospitals
Boom is fueled by the need for more and newer healthcare facilities
4/20/2016
Q&A: Keeping surfaces clean in hospitals
Dr John Boyce, co-author of a review looking at the best ways to keep surfaces clean in hospitals, answers questions about the work on the OnBiology blog
4/20/2016
Two babies die in hospital superbug outbreak
Seven others infected within a month at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban, South Africa
4/20/2016
Md. critical care unit renovating for greater efficiency
Shore Medical Center at Chestertown project will create improved line of sight to beds from a more central work station
4/20/2016
Monetizing outpatient facility holdings
Hospitals and healthcare systems are reconsidering the value of their real estate
4/20/2016
GlaxoSmithKline selects TierPoint to support global data consolidation and recovery operations
4/20/2016
Washington hospital reports infection control breach
Sterilization misstep at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview potentially exposed 260 patients
4/19/2016
Va. VA medical center told to improve cleanliness, training
Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond should improve in various areas, according to VA inspector
4/19/2016
Healthcare system's ransomware attack allowed by known security flaw
Last month’s attack on MedStar Health’s computer systems came through a well-known security vulnerability in an application server
4/19/2016
Hawaii passes bill to ban smoking at state health facilities
The measure headed to the governor would prohibit using tobacco and electronic smoking inside and outside the sites
4/19/2016
Renovation of historic site focuses on adaptive reuse
Family Health Center's design team was sensitive to the aesthetic nature of iconic Louisville building that would house the new facility, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/19/2016
Invention for killing mosquito eggs could help Zika fight
Team has successfully tested a low-cost, environmentally-friendly way of destroying eggs of a mosquito genus that spreads disease
4/19/2016
Ebola virus discovered after high-isolation unit is cleaned
Findings stress the importance of thorough terminal disinfection
4/18/2016
Joint Commission updates emergency management info after Brussels attack
Portal now includes a new resource under the Violence/Security/Active Shooter section
4/18/2016
Campaign targets hazardous smoke from ORs
Surgical smoke produced in operating rooms as a byproduct of medical devices is hazardous to clinicians
4/18/2016
Hospital's new food service hitting snags
Brantford General Hospital started a new method of heating and serving meals to patients
4/18/2016
Tribal college opens first healthcare facility
New facility at Salish Kootenai College offers services to staff, students and their dependents
4/18/2016
Streamlining outpatient facility patient flow
Small improvements can mean substantial savings because of repetition
4/18/2016
Q&A on lower bottom rods
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about lower bottom rods
4/18/2016
HITEC discloses details on industry’s most efficient ups power solution at DCD enterprise event
4/18/2016
QuickSTAT expands presence and logistics capabilities in LATAM region for the Life Science Industry
4/18/2016
Safety upgrades urged for psychiatric hospital
Minnesota governor urges legislators to pay for upgrades and staffing increases after staff injuries
4/15/2016
Different colored bed sheets used to improve healthcare facility hygiene
Colored-bed-sheet system now mandatory in India's public hospitals
4/15/2016
Designing an adaptable rehabilitation facility
Bed growth in rehabilitation care is being inspired by the needs of baby boomers and beyond, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/15/2016
Optimizing patient flow in an ambulatory setting
Processes and flow can inform healthcare facility design
4/15/2016
Holistic lighting can positively impact healthcare setting
Studies show that healthcare facility visitors have a better experience in a calming space
4/15/2016
Should distribution equipment or coordination study come first?
It's the electrical equivalent of the timeless chicken-or-egg dilemma
4/15/2016
Middle Atlantic strengthens security application with robust new options for SNE series enclosures
4/15/2016
Elizabethkingia outbreak spreads to Illinois
Potentially fatal blood infection continues to spread throughout the Midwest
4/14/2016
Outpatient facilities embracing Lean design
Healthcare market is increasingly focused on efficiency and the patient experience.
4/14/2016
Architecture, engineering and construction firms are cautiously optimistic about Affordable Care Act
Survey of architecture, engineering and construction firms shows Affordable Care Act is seen as presenting new opportunities, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/14/2016
Architecture, engineering and construction firms are cautiously optimistic about Affordable Care Act
Survey of architecture, engineering and construction firms shows Affordable Care Act is seen as presenting new opportunities, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/14/2016
White paper on rubber floors in healthcare environment offered
'Rubber floors support a safe, healthy environment' available on the Medical Construction & Design website
4/14/2016
Cleaning GI scopes with steam sterilization
A shift in endoscope reprocessing from high-level disinfection to steam sterilization is urged
4/14/2016
Benefits of partnering with suppliers
Benefits are lost when healthcare facility leaders and vendors don't develop the customer relationship into a partnership
4/14/2016
Renovation and expansion of emergency department at VCU Health wins national award from ASHE
4/14/2016
U.K. healthcare facility to generate its own power with windmill
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, will generate renewable electricity on-site
4/13/2016
A strategy for proper exchange carts usage
It is unsafe to return unused linens on exchange carts from the hospital to the laundry plant
4/13/2016
Tampa Bay area experiencing healthcare construction boom
Expanding population and mix of government, commercial insurance and private payers make Florida region an attractive market
4/13/2016
Study says Yelp healthcare facility reviews useful
User reviews of hospitals may be more helpful than the official nationwide hospital survey
4/13/2016
Healthcare facilities laundry breach infection control tests
More than a quarter of laundry in NHS Lanarkshire breaches infection control tests
4/13/2016
Saving money with healthcare facility construction
There are key steps to take to get the best value from a construction project with the best solutions for a healthcare facility
4/13/2016
Is a healthcare facility's VIP syndrome worth the side effects?
Catering to high-profile patients often means breaking hospital protocols
4/12/2016
Detroit healthcare facility creates cardboard model during design
The model is a full-scale layout of the new children’s tower
4/12/2016
"Cleaning' hospital food
Stanford Health Care menu features items you'd expect from a high-end restaurant
4/12/2016
Hospital uses real-time location system to improve security, safety and operations
The system uses the hospital’s Wi-Fi network to provide real-time updates on the status and location of patients, caregivers and equipment throughout the hospital
4/12/2016
Hospitals urged to avoid antimicrobial furnishings
Health Care Without Harm suggests seeking more evidence on the safety and efficacy of furnishings containing antimicrobials
4/12/2016
Q&A on locks on cable on sprinkler pipe
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about cable on sprinkler pipe
4/12/2016
Texas health system switches to private security force
Good Shepherd said its private security staff has made 'significant progress'
4/11/2016
Evaluating the value proposition of project vendors
A vendor management system can provide clear scope definition, contractual rights, a cost structure, a payment mechanism and a dispute resolution process
4/11/2016
Trends in technology for patient care
A new white paper explores why and how technology can play a crucial role in influencing the patient experience
4/11/2016
Rebuilding L.A.'s Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital
One influence on the design of the new hospital was the range of services provided. The county studied the demand in the community and found it wasn’t the same as in the past, according to an article on the Healthcare Design
4/11/2016
Technology can boost healthcare facility operations
Facilities are using technology to cut down on paper and increase efficiency
4/11/2016
Improving healthcare facility security
Healthcare providers must adhere to regulations for security systems to protect patient privacy
4/11/2016
Waiver and equivalency confusion
There are often questions about the process to submit waiver and equivalency requests
4/8/2016
Milwaukee's Zablocki VA hospital to open house for families
The Fisher House will provide free lodging for family members of veterans receiving care
4/8/2016
Temple University Hospital employees douse a fire in a patient's room
Patient in a double room set his mattress on fire and walked out of the room
4/8/2016
Designing outdoor rehab spaces
A growing and critical part of their rehabilitation is taking place outside hospital walls, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/8/2016
OR/procedure room cleaning checklists available
Researchers found only 25 percent of OR surfaces targeted in a study had been cleaned thoroughly
4/8/2016
Hospital builds data center on parking garage roof
Infrastructure system and design made unorthodox project possible
4/8/2016
Solutions to ER overcrowding fall short
Poor space planning, patient confusion swamping emergency rooms
4/7/2016
Death of patient who fell from Maine hospital window investigated
While being treated for a head injury, man was able to open his hospital window enough to get out
4/7/2016
Healthcare met politics long ago
ACA's fusion of politics and healthcare is nothing new. The federal and state governments have been involved in healthcare since the founding of our country, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website.
4/7/2016
Maintaining a healthcare facility emergency power system
Deficiencies in emergency standby power systems among the top 10 Joint Commission issues
4/7/2016
Hospital puts out call to artists for healing-art project
B.C. Children's Hospital asks Canadian artists to apply for the Children’s Healing Experience Project initiative
4/7/2016
Oregon healthcare facility operates waste-recycling facility
Program separates waste from six hospitals and employs developmentally disabled staff
4/7/2016
Health system opens grocery store in food desert
ProMedica in Toledo, Ohio, opens store with fresh foods, education and employment in a renovated facility
4/6/2016
Tennessee hospital to close because of needed repairs
McNairy Regional Hospital will permanently close in May after parent company Tennova Healthcare conducts weeks of inspections
4/6/2016
Q&A on locks on ABC dry powder fire extinguishers
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about ABC dry powder fire extinguishers
4/6/2016
Dedicated clinics created to treat most fragile children
Hospitals are creating special clinics for those who may need a lifetime of coordinated care
4/6/2016
Study says hospital air helps spread bacteria
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses a serious challenge to infection control
4/6/2016
U.K. hospital plans investigation after patient climbs onto roof
Patient from mental health unit climbed onto the roof before being coaxed down three hours later
4/6/2016
EPA recognizes MaxLite with 2016 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award
4/6/2016
Space problems at Florida hospital leaves patient in hallway for 2 days
Man was cared for in the hallway instead of a hospital room, because Florida Hospital Orlando was over capacity
4/5/2016
Internet of Things growing in healthcare facilities
As data become easier to share, the impact will increase
4/5/2016
All areas of healthcare facilities need air purification
Waiting rooms and restrooms don’t always receive the same level of attention as patient and operating rooms
4/5/2016
Psychiatric hospital cited for safety issues
Multiple ligature points and other issues have been found at The Priory in the Marchwood, England
4/5/2016
Designing rehab centers to promote progress
Everything is created to contribute to and promote accomplishment and inspiration, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/5/2016
Waiting room signage keeps families informed
Electronic medical records system can help to keep those in the waiting room informed and occupied
4/5/2016
WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff designing systems for Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix
4/5/2016
Healthcare facility works to use water wisely
Sustainable water management helps the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity to save water and maintain lavish gardens
4/4/2016
Urgent care centers gain in popularity
According to the Urgent Care Association of America, there are 7,100 urgent care centers in the U.S.
4/4/2016
Healthcare facilities can generate energy savings with GPOs
Group purchasing organizations help health systems lock in prices
4/4/2016
Hospital addressing cause of Legionella death
Bath’s Royal United Hospital finds source of bacteria in water supply where victim was a patient.
4/4/2016
Common misconceptions about QAC
The quaternary ammonium chloride compound market has substantially evolved since its inception more than 100 years ago
4/4/2016
Physicians, patients can inform the design of change-ready facilities
The desire to see what organizations are or aren’t getting right in healthcare design inspired the polling of patients and physicians, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/4/2016
MD Anderson Cancer Center submits plan to comply with new Texas gun law
New law will allow anyone holding a valid concealed handgun license to carry a gun on public college campuses
4/1/2016
Facilities professionals have role in patient safety initiatives
National Patient Safety Foundation leader discusses the role of facilities professionals with Health Facilities Management
4/1/2016
Hospital cafeteria upgrades focus on health, improved experience
Hospital kitchens hiring away restaurant chefs
4/1/2016
Integrating capital planning and facility management
For these groups to attain alignment of purpose and resources, each group needs visibility into the data
4/1/2016
Modesto hospital disinfects rooms with robotic housekeeper
‘Germinator’ eliminates superbugs on surfaces
4/1/2016
Improving healthcare facility infection prevention and control by design
Design can address things like hand hygiene infrastructure, reprocessing departments and easy cleaning of surfaces, according to an article on the Healthcare Design
4/1/2016
Lurie Children’s Hospital selects Grifols KIRO Robot to increase precision, safety and compliance
4/1/2016