- June 2015
Are TV makeovers killing healthcare design?
Reality TV home makeover shows have given an unrealistic look at the real work of design, especially in something as complex as healthcare, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/30/2015
Dallas' new Parkland Memorial Hospital receives LEED gold
The hospital previously won LEED gold for its eight-story parking garage and seeks the same status for its new power plant
6/30/2015
Stemming data disasters: How to improve healthcare data security
Research estimates 50 percent of healthcare organizations experienced between one and five cyber attacks in 2014
6/30/2015
Dietary errors is an often hidden threat to patients
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority identified 285 dietary errors in healthcare facilities during study
6/30/2015
Tips for sustainable environmental services
Environmentally sound practices can also save money
6/30/2015
Tracking healthcare facilities' energy use
By improving energy efficiency, hospitals can generate a new source of capital to increase the bottom line
6/30/2015
Untested contract type adding to Aurora VA hospital problems
VA officials decided that year to use a method called integrated design-construct, or IDC, on major building projects
6/29/2015
Testing infection prevention effectiveness
Confirming the disinfection of high-touch surfaces is important in healthcare facilities
6/29/2015
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation's role in the war against infectious diseases
UV-C energy can fortify hospital defenses against infectious diseases by reducing their concentrations without increasing their resistance to medicines
6/29/2015
Global opportunities for healthcare manufacturers
A recent roundtable organized by the White House focuses on how international trade policy can help American companies prosper in the international marketplace, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/29/2015
Focusing on infection prevention
There are a number of different best practices and technologies healthcare facility managers use to help help battle infections
6/29/2015
$10M stand-alone emergency center planned in Las Cruces
MountainView Regional Medical Center has announced plans to build a 10-bed standalone emergency care center
6/29/2015
IPD keeps California healthcare facility project on track
Sutter Health Eden Medical Center was completed on time and within budget with integrated project delivery and Lean methods
6/29/2015
Florida VA says dead rats show pest control is working
Dead rats fall from the kitchen ceiling of the Tampa Bay veterans hospital
6/26/2015
Swedish NICU design a collaborative effort
NICU design in Sweden has developed through the application of research and adjusted according to ongoing practice, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/26/2015
Senate may strip VA of authority over Aurora hospital construction
The change is one of several Congress is demanding before approving money to complete a half-finished medical center
6/26/2015
Fire detection, protection in healthcare facilities
Healthcare facilities require fire alarm and detection specifications at a higher level than in other buildings
6/26/2015
Proper washing, storage keeps most healthcare textiles safe
Laundering procedures shown to be effective at preventing the spread of infection
6/26/2015
Clearing the AIIR about the Ebola scare
With the Ebola scare, hospitals around the country are quickly realizing they need to adopt a more consistent, continuous, automated method of CDC compliance
6/26/2015
Nursing home bedbugs a growing problem
Hospitals doing a better job than nursing homes dealing with pests
6/25/2015
Antimicrobial textile manufacturers address pandemic issues
Infection Control Today interviews manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) and antimicrobial textiles on pandemic preparedness
6/25/2015
Vancouver emergency rooms not expected to survive major quake
Aging hospital buildings found to be at high-risk of collapse or being rendered useless by a strong tremor
6/25/2015
Miami Jewish Health Systems expansion will serve dementia patients
Miami Jewish Health Systems will add a 'village' to its campus in the next two to three years
6/25/2015
Healthcare laundry best practices reviewed
Laundry recommendations include adherence to standard precautions (gown and gloves) and minimal textile agitation when handling contaminated laundry in isolation rooms
6/25/2015
Data center infrastructure management in healthcare: The physical world meets the virtual world and the 'cloud'
DCIM is not a single tool, but a category of tools ranging from facilities monitoring, IT asset management, capacity planning, capacity management, dynamic/adaptive cooling and 'what-if' tools to various power, environmental and IT control applications
6/25/2015
20 most beautiful hospitals named
A new survey by Soliant Health recognizes the 20 most beautiful hospitals of 2015
6/24/2015
Illinois healthcare facility project boosts security
Franklin Hospital in Benton will upgrade emergency room
6/24/2015
Law buys more time for over-budget VA hospital
The legislation gives the VA limited, one-time authority to move about $150 million from 10 budget items and funds
6/24/2015
Australian hospital construction costs on the rise
Regulatory constraints blamed for higher construction costs
6/24/2015
Maine hospital project to benefit budget, environment
The annual savings for Pen Bay Healthcare could be more than $550,000
6/24/2015
How omni-channel provides a better patient experience
With a broader definition of the patient 'experience,' healthcare contact centers need to adopt an omni-channel approach
6/24/2015
Are wifi devices safe in healthcare facilities?
Radiation caused by wireless devices can interfere with medical equipment and lead to serious clinical consequences
6/23/2015
Tackling hospital facility challenges
Healthcare Construction+Operations News interview focuses on the challenges and opportunities that healthcare facilities face
6/23/2015
Make the most of healthcare facility wait times with digital signage solutions
Digital signage can allow healthcare providers to relieve anxiety, reduce boredom and connect with patients
6/23/2015
Rebuilt Kansas hospital stresses sustainability
After a 2007 tornado, rebuilt Kiowa County Memorial Hospital is a LEED Platinum facility
6/23/2015
Medical center is three hospitals in one
UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay is the nation's first project of its size - a 289-bed, 878,000-square-foot complex is home to women's, children's and cancer specialty hospitals, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/23/2015
Hospital fire brings focus to trash chute safety
A fire at a New York hospital began in a trash chute, apparently caused by soldering during a necessary repair
6/22/2015
Programming beyond a healthcare facility's space needs
Beyond space needs, an architect should understand the client's culture, technology, operations, and opportunities for innovation
6/22/2015
Making a facility LGBT friendly
Specialized housing for LGBT seniors is a growing market as the baby boomers age, according to an article on Long-Term Living magazine
6/22/2015
Einstein Medical Center completes two renovation projects
The fluid design accommodates the needs of growing Pennsylvania community
6/22/2015
Q&A on ABHR dispensers in business occupancies
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question on ABHR dispensers in business occupancies
6/22/2015
Texas Children's Hospital building pediatric Ebola treatment center
The unit will care for isolation patients with measles, influenza, or tuberculosis as well as highly contagious infectious diseases, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/22/2015
Trane Sintesis air-cooled chillers are now available to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
6/22/2015
Lunera Lighting adds greater variety to plug-and-play HID LED lighting replacements at BOMA
6/22/2015
U.K. healthcare facility staffed by ghost?
Hospital worker takes Snapchat picture of 'dead girl' outside children's ward
6/19/2015
OSHA plans healthcare safety focus for nurses
Healthcare has more reported workplace injuries than any other general industry
6/19/2015
Luxury vinyl tile gaining more popularity in healthcare facilities
New type of vinyl flooring is second only to carpeting in how frequently it is installed
6/19/2015
N.Y. health system plans new inpatient facility
Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie will build a seven-story inpatient pavilion
6/19/2015
Nine regional pathogen treatment centers named
Nine healthcare facilities named regional treatment centers for patients with Ebola or other severe, highly infectious diseases
6/19/2015
Designing for resiliency becoming more common place
Planning for resiliency isn't new to healthcare design. Facilities have been dealing with the impacts of natural disasters for many years, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/19/2015
Exacq Technologies introduces camera links for faster response time to critical alarms and events
6/19/2015
Vending machine found covering hospital cardiac arrest alarm
The blocking of the alarm called a 'serious breach of patient safety'
6/18/2015
Safety surveys can curb patient risk
Facilities must evaluate their safety practices to ensure they are doing everything they can to safeguard patients
6/18/2015
Housekeeping is a partner in infection control
Reducing the spread of germs and diseases is the responsibility of all employees
6/18/2015
Houston-area growth drives $850 million healthcare building boom
Healthcare providers are racing to keep up with the rising demand for services in the Houston/Montgomery County region of Texas
6/18/2015
Designing for healthcare's middle management
It's more important than ever to design a physical environment that fosters communication and collaboration at all levels, including department directors, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/18/2015
Q&A on ILSM implementation
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question on ILSM implementation
6/18/2015
Montreal hospital has undertaken a cleaning blitz after outbreaks
Lakeshore General Hospital hit by four superbug outbreaks this year
6/17/2015
Senator calls for release of scope manufacturers' records
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray addressed continuing concerns about 'superbug' infections linked to duodenoscopes
6/17/2015
Modular buildings - an alternative solution healthcare construction
Modular buildings can adapt to any kind of budget while still guaranteeing top-notch quality.
6/17/2015
U.K. hospital trust fined for legionella control problems
Investigation identified a history of failing to manage legionella
6/17/2015
Going green paying off for Southeast Michigan healthcare facilities
Sustainability in healthcare is touching on mainstream from an operations standpoint
6/17/2015
Impact of 'active listening' on design discussed
Architects recognized for helping create a comfortable patient experience and an optimized work environment for staff
6/17/2015
University of Colorado Health System expands outpatient cancer center
The Poudre Valley Outpatient Cancer Center project is being done in three phases to allow the cancer center to remain operational, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/17/2015
Four factors to consider before selecting an uninterruptible power supply
Forty percent of global healthcare organizations have experienced an unplanned outage in the last 12 months
6/16/2015
Cleveland clinic plans woodsy walking trail
Ohio facility's 1.4-mile trail will be open to patients, employees and the public
6/16/2015
Louisiana hospital expands, renovated emergency department
University Hospital and Clinics in Lafayette will triple the size of its emergency room by the end of 2016
6/16/2015
Managing retail healthcare facilities with service automation
A new class of technology called service automation is supporting the rapid growth in retail healthcare
6/16/2015
Applying Lean principles to infection prevention
The application of Lean thinking can have a significant effect on infection control, according to an article eon the Healthcare Design website
6/16/2015
New children's hospital planned in Wichita
Wesley Medical Center is building a new $28 million facility
6/16/2015
Diversey Care's Avert sporicidal disinfectant cleaner kills C. Difficile spores in just 4 minutes
6/16/2015
Portland company signs exclusive agreement to market earthquake early warning system in the U.S.
6/16/2015
WattStopper extends occupancy sensor control to plug loads for energy savings and code compliance
6/16/2015
Healthcare facility staff risks safety to avoid parking fees
Employees of of Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital are choosing to park off-site to avoid paying up to $76.60 for two weeks of secured parking
6/15/2015
Exploring abandoned healthcare facilities
Derelict medical facilities offer a way to tour the history of American healthcare
6/15/2015
Disinfecting while preventing harmful exposure
Study reports a growing a demand for disinfecting strategies and increasing evidence that exposure to cleaners can result be harmful
6/15/2015
Surveys emphasize comfort over outcomes, report says
Focus on comfort may hurt care quality improvement efforts
6/15/2015
Healthcare facilities face unique security challenges
Digitized healthcare records are extremely valuable to criminals and facilities are still learning how to protect them
6/15/2015
Does washing uniforms at home effect infection control?
A recent UK study (1) found that 44% of nursing staff washed their uniforms below the recommended temperature of 60˚C
6/15/2015
Spending cuts or project delays urged to finish Denver hospital
VA calls for spending cuts of nearly 1 percent, or shifting funds from dozens of construction and maintenance projects planned in other states
6/12/2015
Saskatoon healthcare facility opens with state-of-the-art technology
The Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility (SIHF) in Maple Creek, Saskatoon, will have nurse communication devices that are integrated with the telephone system
6/12/2015
Anatomy of an isolation room
Isolation rooms create a clean environment for the patient whose immune system may be compromised
6/12/2015
The evolution of healthcare meal planning
Executive chef at Washington hospital discusses food service's role in healthcare, the farm to hospital trend
6/12/2015
Designing healthcare dining spaces
Today's hospital dining areas are designed as comfortable, hospitality-inspired spaces customized for the user experience, according to Healthcare Design website
6/12/2015
Michigan hospital partners with salad restaurant
The Big Salad opens seventh location at the University of Michigan Hospital Cafe
6/12/2015
El Paso Children's Hospital pays price for fast growth with bankruptcy
Audits show the hospital at one point exceeded revenue projections but also spent a lot more than it brought in
6/11/2015
Scope-maker counter-sues Virginia Mason hospital
The maker of medical scopes blamed for spreading dozens of 'superbug' infections at Virginia Mason Medical Center claims the hospital failed to use and clean the device properly
6/11/2015
Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children included challenging geometry and wall transitions
An entirely custom three dimensional glazing panel comprising 400 triangular and diamond shaped 6' x 6' panels was installed
6/11/2015
Hospital-based ambulatory surgery centers called best of both settings
Hospital-based ambulatory surgery centers follow the same strict regulatory and quality-control guidelines that apply to hospitals
6/11/2015
N.C. health facility cafe invests in pizza upgrade
The team at The Korner Cafe at Rex Healthcare in Raleigh worked on a shoestring budget and 'just made it happen' by adding the correct equipment
6/11/2015
Designing behavioral health facilities
Healthcare organizations are turning toward smaller-scale settings that address clients' individual needs
6/11/2015
Mobile dental clinic delivers services to offices
Studio Dental Inc. has created the 26-foot-long Studio Dental Mobile Unit to deliver dental services to offices around San Francisco, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/10/2015
Updating outdated military healthcare facilities
The healthcare facility at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is undergoing a $60-million makeover
6/10/2015
Establishing healthcare disinfection programs
One tactic for improving the cleanliness of surfaces, is to use the right disinfectants
6/10/2015
Identifying Lean opportunities in healthcare
Lean is about reducing cost through the elimination of variation and waste
6/10/2015
Q&A on electrical safety program
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question on electrical safety program
6/10/2015
Room service adjusts to facilities' evolution
When a Long Island hospital absorbs 32-bed orthopedic program, needs and expectations changes
6/10/2015
Keeping patients safe from superbugs
CDC says healthcare facilities must do more to mitigate the threat of CRE
6/9/2015
Illinois healthcare facility opens expanded ER
UnityPoint Health-Trinity opened an expansion of its Heart Center and Emergency Department in Rock Island
6/9/2015
Going beyond the ADA for healthcare facility accessibility
Simplest changes to facility plans can impact the patient experience
6/9/2015
Biggest trends in healthcare power, efficiency
More healthcare systems are considering a move to a self-reliant microgrid
6/9/2015
Geisinger Health Center renovates food service to boost production
The 350-seat Atrium Cafe, located on the campus's Hospital for Advanced Medicine, replaced three operations
6/9/2015
Better bariatric care by design
A new classification for bariatric patients that looks beyond BMI is being urged, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/9/2015
Drugs thefts reveal gaps in hospital security
Safeguards include restricted rooms, heavy surveillance
6/8/2015
Designing for geriatric patients
Older patients present healthcare facilities with a unique set of concerns
6/8/2015
Report eyes healthier disaster planning
Building healthier communities should be focus in disaster preparation
6/8/2015
Bioinformed design can improve hospital ecosystems
New healthcare facility design models look at biodiversity of interior spaces at the microbial level to try to determine the healthiest conditions, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/8/2015
Self-check-in kiosks can boost patient experience
San Diego-based Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group installs kiosks to remain competitive in changing market
6/8/2015
'Celebrity chefs' in healthcare foodservice
Healthcare foodservice chefs are consistently overlooked
6/8/2015
Zephyr Health announces real world evidence initiative at EyeForPharma Conference, Amsterdam
6/8/2015
Concrete work causes noxious fumes in Michigan healthcare facility
Sparrow Hospital in Lansing detected fumes near operating room
6/5/2015
Planning fire drills in healthcare facilities
Staff, visitors, volunteers and others may ignore the fire alarm and continue to go on with their day
6/5/2015
Healthcare facilities stressing cleaning protocols for C. Diff
Almost half hadn't adopted strict limits on the use of antibiotics, but protective gear, separate hospital rooms and special cleaning techniques were in place in virtually all hospitals
6/5/2015
Concerns raised about fire-proofing materials at UK infirmary
Materials used in Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle cited for not meeting required standard
6/5/2015
Healthcare food service facing new challenges
As healthcare systems continue to consolidate, they must compete with other providers
6/5/2015
Ohio healthcare facility upgrades sprinkler system, more
Case study on Facility Executive website, explores safety, functional and aesthetic upgrades
6/5/2015
UK hospital installs security fence after sexual assaults
A rape and sexual assault of two women are among 30 incidents which reported at Sheffield hospitals in a three-month period
6/4/2015
Dealing with construction vibrations
The construction process can be extremely disruptive to ongoing healthcare operations
6/4/2015
Transforming healthcare lighting
Proper outdoor lighting is a critical element in shaping visitors' perceptions of a healthcare facility
6/4/2015
Wisconsin healthcare providers unveil portable shelter system
Mobile system designed to bring care to communities where healthcare facilities are temporarily inoperable
6/4/2015
Spokane medical park designed as comprehensive outpatient center
Providence Medical Park allows a patient to visit a primary care doctor, have diagnostic tests, pick up a prescription, and follow up with a specialist all in the same day under one roof, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/4/2015
Flashback photo: Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
The entrance canopy was considered controversial when the state-of-the-art medical facility addition was completed in 1961
6/4/2015
N.H. healthcare facility gets nonlethal devices for protection
Devices can record interactions with unruly patients or visitors, shine a laser pointer on them and shoot a stream of pepper gel
6/3/2015
Franciscan hospital in Indiana finishes $11 million renovation
Healthcare facility upgrades emergency and surgery departments for possible designation at trauma center
6/3/2015
Making the healthcare facility a treatment for the patient
The Hospital Microbiome Project is studying how the environment itself contributes to healthcare-associated infections, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/3/2015
An accurate budget for healthcare facilities construction helps prevent cost overruns
Accurate estimating must include an accounting of the realities of the environment
6/3/2015
Hospitals with the quietest patient rooms
Data from Hospital Compare tracks surveys from July 2013 through June 2014
6/3/2015
Partnering with retail for patient convenience
The migration of retailers onto acute care campuses is a less publicized trend
6/3/2015
'Design thinking' urged for healthcare tech
Design begins by gaining an understanding of how a system is likely to be used within a given environment
6/2/2015
Aurora VA project getting another $100 million bailout
Construction will continue on a new veterans medical center near Denver
6/2/2015
Q&A on the required width of new corridor
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question on the required width of new corridor
6/2/2015
Extreme weather and LEED goals affect MOB design
The windy, high-desert region of Antelope Valley, Calif., made the design and construction of new medical offices a challenge, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
6/2/2015
Healthcare facility's telecommunications system relies on five features
From verbal codes to technology, a hospital must be able to trust its communication system
6/2/2015
Applying the 5 'W's' to help select the right healthcare facility equipment service provider
Because providers have different offerings, facilities can use the five 'W's' as a tool for selecting one that best fits their needs
6/2/2015
Waste, safety concerns cited at Aurora VA hospital project
Ambulances cannot access all of the site, and new materials re being thrown away, according to a worker
6/1/2015
Cancer Centre at Guy's Hospital's design based on village concept
Research, patient care and a range of oncology services are blended under one roof in an environment unique to London, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website.
6/1/2015
Canadian healthcare facility focuses on security after fatal shooting
Security at local hospitals is a top concern after a woman was attacked at Guelph General Hospital
6/1/2015
N.Y. hospital and civic center collaborate on energy proposal
Glens Falls Hospital and Adirondack Civic Center Coalition are seeking funding for a 'micro-grid' power project
6/1/2015
Camera documents construction of hospital
Camera installed at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Ill., is documenting, almost in real time, the construction of a 96-room, three-story addition at the hospital
6/1/2015
How to integrate document-scanning in healthcare centers
Paper-based medical records carry a host of direct and hidden costs that can quickly consume limited health care resources
6/1/2015