- August 2018

Appeals court allows gay resident to sue senior facility over discrimination

Facility can be held liable for failing to protect resident from harassment, discrimination and violence

8/31/2018



Nursing home reviews security after being robbed twice in a month

Thieves targeted the facility to steal drugs

8/31/2018



Painting projects that perform

Manufacturers offer insights on the central role of product selection and substrate preparation

8/31/2018



Study says patients in private rooms less likely to get fatal HAI

Hospitals with mostly private rooms had 33 percent fewer central line infections

8/31/2018



FGI guidelines refocus imaging spaces on care

Imaging space design standards previously focused on the radiology device to be installed

8/31/2018



Designing for intimacy in senior care setting

There are opportunities to design elements to encourage socializing outside of set programming, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website

8/31/2018



Can design answer patient-boarding issues?

Healthcare facilities need to develop proper settings to house "boarded" patients, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

8/31/2018













Hundreds of Fla. assisted living facilities without critical equipment

Some counties have received failing grade for not having plans in place

8/30/2018



Newest CMS memo leaves HFAP ligature standard intact

HFAP recently updated 13 of its standards

8/30/2018



Cybersecurity, digital failures called top hospital hazards

The ECRI Institute releases its list of top healthcare technology hazards for 2018

8/30/2018



Modular wall systems help healthcare facilities adapt

Improvements to acoustics and the ability to support medical devices make systems a better fit for healthcare, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

8/30/2018



The importance of exterior and interior design in a healthcare practice

Healthcare practices are getting smarter. Their designs are changing, and for the better.

8/30/2018



Hospital supply chain offers cost-saving opportunities

Joining a group purchasing organization can cut expenses across the system

8/30/2018













Health system's new security measures include badges, metal detectors

Atrium Health also plans to add more armed security officers

8/29/2018



Evolution of barrier-resistant doors

Door functionality for behavioral health facilities has improved over the last decade

8/29/2018



Trends for creating the new patient experience

From the first impression to the last — how to create an exceptional continuum of care

8/29/2018



Q&A: Temporary construction barrier

Brad Keyes discusses temporary construction barriers

8/29/2018



Energy improvements at Louisiana hospital to save $200K a year

The improvement measures include replacing water management fixtures

8/29/2018



Integrating lighting systems in healthcare facilities

Range of codes and standards can make integration a challenge

8/29/2018













Hawaii hospitals prepared for Hurricane Lane patients

Healthcare facilities stocked up on supplies and generators

8/28/2018



How do the fire safety requirements in NFPA 99-2012 relate to hospitals?

Learning requirements for healthcare facilities is critical

8/28/2018



Personality, place, project and process key components to creativity in healthcare design

Research shows successful architects in healthcare demonstrate intellectual curiosity and the ability to collaborate, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

8/28/2018



Can using utility meters save facilities money?

Meters offer many opportunities for facility managers beyond what they've been traditionally used for. And the cost of meters is dropping due to technological advances.

8/28/2018



Company diverting unopened healthcare products from waste stream

Program also helps healthcare facilities recover cost from unused

8/28/2018



Jamaican children’s hospital to save millions with solar panels

The hospital is expected to save $28 million in energy costs over the next 20 years

8/28/2018













Stray cat causes infection scare at UK hospital

A deep clean was ordered after the cat's activities came to light at Epsom Hospital in Epsom, England

8/27/2018



N.Y. hospital institute new security policy for visitors

Security officers have been stationed at all entrances to help guide patients and visitors

8/27/2018



Hospital's defamation lawsuit against Leapfrog dismissed

Chicago-based Saint Anthony Hospital sued organization about lower grade

8/27/2018



Senior facility partners with hospital on hybrid facility

The $100 million project will include an assisted living community and a health center

8/27/2018



Inmate captured after escape from Michigan hospital

Sheriff says more should have been done to secure the inmate

8/27/2018



Healthcare facilities' energy efficiency improves air quality

Salt Lake City Op-Ed says healthcare facilities' energy efficiency efforts can impact community health

8/27/2018













HAIs can cause social, emotional pain

Many patients described 'feeling like a leper'

8/24/2018



New Colorado VA hospital more than $1 billion over budget

Costs ballooned from $328 million to $1.73 billion as of its opening

8/24/2018



Hospitals reforming energy habits

A typical hospital can use up to five times more energy than a hotel

8/24/2018



Hospital scavenger hunt teaches employees workplace safety skills

Workers earn prize tickets for fixing issues

8/24/2018



Healthcare Design announces Rising Star Award Winners

The program recognizes newcomers to the healthcare design field who could be industry leaders

8/24/2018



A continuous assessment: Understanding compliance during new construction

Healthcare facilities must keep pace with rapid changes in code compliance, neighborhood health, sustainability and energy management

8/24/2018









Researchers create bacteria-fighting polymers with light

The discovery may help identify antimicrobials for a range of applications

8/23/2018



Wichita-area hospital’s $62 million renovation more than 'facelift’

'Project Renewal' is an effort to bring back and expand Via Christi’s behavioral health services at St Joseph

8/23/2018



Technology can boost hand-hygiene compliance by 45%

The study, originally featured in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) stated that hand hygiene compliance rates provided by the traditional direct observation method did not accurately reflect baseline rates.

8/23/2018



Hospital projects can strengthen neighborhoods

Limited influence blamed on outdated planning strategies and tax laws

8/23/2018



Is your operating room sweating this summer?

There are a few tricks that the facilities staff can use to help keep the room open until the bigger problem can be addressed

8/23/2018



A greener environmental services department can have a wide impact

Green practices can increase environmental sustainability and improve patient care

8/23/2018













Health worker among five new cases in Congo Ebola outbreak

They bring the outbreak total to 78 cases

8/22/2018



New biocide mist kills bacteria

A viscous disinfectant has been turned into a breathable mist for the first time

8/22/2018



Accidents blamed for most healthcare data breaches

Accidental disclosures made up 38 percent of the data breaches

8/22/2018



Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Signage inside a stairwell

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for signage inside a stairwell

8/22/2018



To get rid of fax machines we must first standardize prior authorization

Ninety percent of communications between provider and payer are still done by phone or fax

8/22/2018



Man who died in jump from N.Y. hospital went out window in unused ward

The 5th floor window was secured, but appeared to be tampered with

8/22/2018













Ebola outbreak will be test of world’s ability to respond

This outbreak is occurring in a part of the Congo that has long been a conflict zone, with over 1 million displaced people

8/21/2018



D.C. VA hospital reportedly used rusty surgical tools, contaminated water

Reports in November 2017 included findings of VA sterilization specialists

8/21/2018



LED benefits, strategies illuminated

The most effective applications depend on matching advances in the technology to facility needs

8/21/2018



Digital trends transforming healthcare facilities

As patients become more active in their healthcare decisions, healthcare facilities are tapping digital technologies to help their organizations overcome these challenges

8/21/2018



Getting ready for a CMS emergency preparedness survey

Long-term care facilities have to decide whether to focus on high-impact but low-frequency events or more common, but less impactful events

8/21/2018



Test, inspect, maintain: Fire suppression system priorities

If the facility or its mission changes, facility managers must be able to recognize and understand how those changes might cause a water-based fire suppression system to fail

8/21/2018













More US hospitals going green to save green

Healthcare facilities are responsible for nearly 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions

8/20/2018



Strategies for green product selection in healthcare facilities

Beyond cost and performance, facility managers must consider a range of environmental factors in the products

8/20/2018



Small mistakes can spread hospital infections

The use of personal protective equipment is challenge for many healthcare facilities

8/20/2018



How managers can streamline CMMS

Maximizing the performance of a CMMS can improve technician productivity and hold down inventory costs

8/20/2018



Break-out at mental health facility prompts door upgrade

A N.Z. facility is replacing wooden doors leading to high-care areas in Hillmorton Hospital's acute inpatient unit

8/20/2018













Preparation key to dealing with healthcare facility shootings

Those providing essential medical care to patients cannot run, hide or fight

8/17/2018



CMS says Joint Commission recommendations set standard for ligature risk

CMS surveyors will be referring to those recommendations when looking for environmental hazards

8/17/2018





Healthcare industry hit hardest by cybercrime

The healthcare industry itself is partly responsible

8/17/2018



Top three trends underlining healthcare gamification market landscape

Global valuation to exceed USD 40 billion by 2024

8/17/2018













N.Y. hospital shooting illustrates complexity of threat

Incident spotlighted the complex job of protecting healthcare facilities

8/16/2018



Feds reverse plan to reduce reporting on hospital infections, safety

The information will now be published on the federal Hospital Compare site

8/16/2018



Research says healthcare facility management market to reach $416,929.2 million by 2026

There is also significant potential to provide integrated facility management (IFM) business models

8/16/2018



Amazon may be opening primary care clinics at Seattle headquarters

The company is reportedly looking into hiring a small number of doctors to start a pilot clinic later this year

8/16/2018



Spending on energy efficiency means improving patient care

Running a hospital means taking the reins on your energy output by making smart energy-saving investments

8/16/2018



White paper explores how flooring impacts patient care

Noise levels can affect healing, reduce efficiency

8/16/2018













Healthcare workers hike to raise awareness about workplace violence

Minnesota healthcare workers are planning a 100-mile hike on the Superior Hiking Trail

8/15/2018



Security reviewed after apparent murder-suicide at NY hospital

An investigation will be conducted into how the man entered with the handgun

8/15/2018



Oregon toolkit aims to curb healthcare workplace violence

The collaboration grew from a workgroup started in 2014

8/15/2018



Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Fire drills

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for fire drills

8/15/2018



Study looks at contamination of frequently touched hospital objects

Study shows bacterial contamination for elevator buttons, door handles and phones

8/15/2018













10 taken to hospital after feeling sick at N.H. medical center

Employees reported feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and tightness in their chests

8/14/2018



Managing patient surges with social media

Use of social apps can help keep track of breaking incidents so appropriate treatment and security can be provided

8/14/2018



Rosebud reservation hospital under scrutiny again

Federal inspectors surveyed the hospital in late July

8/14/2018



Designing for specific behavioral patient populations

Experts say behavioral facilities' design doesn’t have to be hampered by the need for safety, according to an article on the Behavioral Healthcare Executive website

8/14/2018



Emergency power system gives hospital reliability, redundancy and flexibility

Ensures seamless delivery of normal and emergency power to all loads

8/14/2018



How healthcare facilities survive natural disasters

Communication, planning and technology are key

8/14/2018













New Cape Cod healthcare facility being built to survive strongest hurricanes

Hospital adhering to Florida building code standards

8/13/2018



Training, efficiency and cost savings: Fostering the next generation of facilities professionals

Winning budget approval for technology is still a challenge when senior management teams in healthcare are often juggling multiple, and sometimes competing, priorities

8/13/2018



Superbug Candida auris spreads from UK to Australia

Outbreaks have occurred in more than 20 countries since the organism was discovered in 2009

8/13/2018



Interactive calculator quantifies cost savings from using mobile facilities dashboards

Winning budget approval for technology is still a challenge when senior management teams in healthcare are often juggling multiple, and sometimes competing, priorities

8/13/2018



Boosting energy efficiency with building envelope retrofit

Other benefits include improved appearance and uninterrupted workflow

8/13/2018



What to consider when planning for an industrial generator

Age, hours, and fuel type play significant roles in your decision-making process.

8/13/2018













Some bacteria are becoming more tolerant of hand sanitizers

It took a 70-percent alcohol mixture to eradicate some bacteria

8/10/2018



Calif. hospital to close ER, transition to long-term care

To lawfully close the emergency room, a 30-day notice must be given

8/10/2018



San Juan VA getting post-hurricane infrastructure upgrades

The project expected to lead to more than $1 million in annual energy savings

8/10/2018



VA Medical Center in D.C. 'deteriorating,' memo says

The VA memo said agency leaders have the concerns about mishaps, employee dissatisfaction

8/10/2018



Calif. hospital reviews active-shooter procedures

Leaders looking at they responded to first 'code black' lockdown

8/10/2018













Water leak postpones surgeries at an Okla. hospital

The water had to be shut off at AllianceHealth Midwest City

8/9/2018



New device diffuses viscous disinfectants

Standard mechanical atomization doesn't work well with viscous fluids

8/9/2018



A next-generation visitor sign-in sheet

Visitor management is a challenge for healthcare facilities seeking to balance security and a welcoming environment

8/9/2018



Cancer center uses clerestory windows to add light into interior spaces

The 52,000-square-foot Valley Health Cancer Center at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Va., features a range of natural elements, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

8/9/2018













Maryland organizations collaborate to reduce HAIs

Participating facilities achieved a 14.2 percent decrease in C. diff rates

8/8/2018



Parata Systems boosts customer satisfaction with proactive maintenance and analytics

After finding their existing IoT platform lacking, Parata needed to evaluate other solutions.

8/8/2018



Empathetic design is gaining prominence

Empathetic design is a way for designers to truly see and experience the healthcare environment as patients see and experience it, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

8/8/2018



Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: ABHR dispensers

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for ABHR dispensers

8/8/2018



Food service becoming main course at senior facilities

As Americans age, senior living continues to evolve into big business

8/8/2018



Benchmarking helps boost energy efficiency in hospitals

Free tool allows facilities to track and compare their energy usage

8/8/2018













Congo to use Ebola vaccine to counter flare-up

Four people have tested positive for Ebola

8/7/2018



Virginia electronically links all of its emergency departments

The ability to view information on a patient's 10 previous ED visits saves on unneeded imaging tests

8/7/2018



Safety improvements ordered for hospitals after arson attack

Entire staff will receive face-to-face fire safety training

8/7/2018



Food service veteran expects continued heavy chef presence in hospitals

James McGrody, UNC Rex Healthcare, discusses industry and career

8/7/2018



AHE announces 2018 Environmental Services Department of the Year Award winners

The award recognizes significant contributions made by an environmental services department to the overall patient experience and achieving a healthcare organization's mission

8/7/2018













Seismic deadlines looming for California hospitals

Kern River Valley facing bed shortage in event of disaster

8/6/2018



Patient satisfaction drives lighting investment decisions

Patient satisfaction and overall comfort can provide a cost benefit that outweighs any electronic dashboard savings

8/6/2018



Indiana microhospital has full food-service operation

Two employees staff the micro hospital’s food and nutrition department

8/6/2018



Promote healing and create energy-efficient environments with modern lighting design and controls

Healthcare facilities can employ advanced lighting design strategies to improve patient and visitor comfort

8/6/2018



Hospital updates cleaning checklist

Update includes previously overlooked overlooked items

8/6/2018













Common sense approach urged for cybersecurity

Healthcare providers should scale their security programs and understand they're not going to fix everything at once

8/3/2018



Net zero energy is the future of facilities

Practices, considerations for an ultra-efficient building

8/3/2018



Center for Health Design offers database on building environment outcomes

The Knowledge Repository includes almost 4,000 citations that connect the built environment to outcomes in healthcare and related spaces, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

8/3/2018



Los Angeles' Chinatown hospital to reopen as 'healthcare city'

The former Pacific Alliance Medical Center site will include urgent care and is expected to open by the end of the summer

8/3/2018



Interior design choices can support infection prevention

Style must be balanced with ease of cleaning

8/3/2018



Seven projects win AIA/AAH Healthcare Design Awards

Maggie’s Centre Barts cancer treatment facility in London is among the honorees

8/3/2018













Shoddy IT infrastructure invites hackers

Hackers are attracted to hospitals with rapid adoption of IT

8/2/2018



Cybersecurity responsibility shared by entire healthcare supply chain

Increased use of connected medical devices and software and wireless technology have made health systems more vulnerable

8/2/2018



Bill to improve VA waste disposal moves to Senate

The bill would require the VA to install on-site medical waste treatment systems in all facilities

8/2/2018



Security questioned at hospital after mishandling of gun

Police officer heard ordering staffer to pick up a dropped gun during a shooting incident

8/2/2018













Sustainability can be infection prevention issue for healthcare facilities

Chemical safety, energy use and waste reduction can affect patient safety

8/1/2018



Patient risks grow when facilities underestimate IT

Almost every critical system rides on the central IT backbone, including building automation, fire monitoring, emergency power, refrigerators, water management and air management

8/1/2018



The future of electrical power in healthcare facilities

The way power delivery will be accomplished in the future is likely via a wireless power delivery system since plugs are at a premium in hospitals

8/1/2018



Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Extension cords

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for extension cords

8/1/2018



Family of ducks rescued from hospital parking structure

The security team stopped traffic to make sure the visitors crossed the road safely after catching the birds in blankets

8/1/2018



Leapfrog updates methodology

The changes will take effect for the grades released in October

8/1/2018













 
 
 


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