- September 2016
Healthcare facilities' hot water equipment scrutinized
Changes in a patient's length of stay can also contribute to the problem.
9/30/2016
Report says employees download new malware every four seconds
Healthcare breach costs have jumped 282 percent since 2015
9/30/2016
Essential elements of an OR cleaning program
Research has shown harmful pathogens can survive on surfaces for months
9/30/2016
Backup power failure at healthcare facilities can be a life-threatening proposition
Lawmakers ask Justice Department to investigate whether VA executives lied to Congress
9/30/2016
Perjury probe sought over Colo. VA hospital
Lawmakers ask Justice Department to investigate whether VA executives lied to Congress
9/30/2016
Recognized interior designs include inviting, warm spaces
The International Interior Design Association announces the winners of the 2016 Healthcare Interior Design Competition
9/30/2016
Mental hospital escape investigation finds 25,000 keys missing
Report on Seattle hospital includes a list of mistakes, blunders and deceptions at what should be a secure facility
9/29/2016
UK/ European training center puts healthcare professionals in the heart of the action
Facility designed to increase medical proficiency and physical and mental resilience in remote and hostile environments
9/29/2016
Microfiber products may help prevent spread of MRSA
Study finds less than 0.25% chance of bacteria transferring from microfiber to people
9/29/2016
Hot water systems promote the growth of legionella pneumophila
New study calls for healthcare facilities to examine maintenance and operations
9/29/2016
Four ways to reduce healthcare-associated infections
Approximately 1 in 25 patients may encounter a dangerous infection while being treated in a healthcare facility every day
9/29/2016
Illinois hospital conducts power failure evacuation drill
Rockford healthcare facility prepares for the possibility of a major power emergency
9/29/2016
A section of ceiling collapses at new children's hospital
No one was injured in the incident at Perth Children's Hospital
9/28/2016
California hospital chapel designed to recharge the spirit
Sutter Solano Medical Center in Vallejo recently dedicated the first chapel the facility’s had in more than a dozen years
9/28/2016
Body cameras, CCTV part of Queensland hospitals' safety strategy
The Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital has released CCTV of three violent incidents
9/28/2016
Health system executives discussed armed security
Becker's Hospital Review asked three health system executives to break down the decision-making process behind their security models
9/28/2016
Corporate America offers lessons in staff satisfaction
There’s much that healthcare can learn from companies like Google, Microsoft, Virgin Atlantic, and Abercrombie & Fitch about staff satisfaction, according to an article on Healthcare Design
9/28/2016
Simulation center tests new technologies
A flexible simulation environment allows technology innovators to test their products
9/28/2016
Tarkett Introduces Material Health Statements To Provide Industry’s Leading Transparency Tool
9/28/2016
Three Philadelphia heart patients among 20 in Pa. diagnosed with infection linked to heater-coolers
Heater-coolers heat or cool the blood of patients on a heart-lung bypass machine
9/27/2016
Free white paper on pre-crisis plan available
Eaton white paper titled "Put a Plan in Place Before Disaster Strikes" on Medical Construction & Design website
9/27/2016
New study says heat exchangers can act as Legionella reservoirs
Healthcare facilities install heat exchangers to conserve energy
9/27/2016
The rise of the ‘bedless hospital’
Treatments are getting less invasive and recovery times are shrinking
9/27/2016
Healthcare 'village' created in N.J.
Hackensack Meridian Health’s Meridian Health Village at Jackson is a one-stop shop
9/27/2016
Toronto healthcare facility redesigns suites for moms
Four new self-care hospitality suites opened at Mount Sinai Hospital, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/27/2016
Center for Health Research & Design working on three evidence-based design projects
CHRD is collaborating with local nonprofit healthcare organization BJC HealthCare to look at key healthcare environments
9/27/2016
ROCKFON Supports WELL's Focus on Improving Human Health and Environment Through Optimized Acoustics
9/27/2016
David Quirk to Lead Session at 2016 Critical Facilities Summit on the Implications of ASHRAE 90.4
9/27/2016
Harris Williams & Co. Advises Laborie Medical Technologies, Inc. on its Sale to Patricia Industries
9/27/2016
Heater-cooler units at UW Medical Center test positive for Legionella
The source of the outbreak has been linked to the hospital's water system
9/26/2016
Pa. nursing home hit with complaints of cockroaches, filth
Susquehanna Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Columbia was out of compliance during eight inspections in a year
9/26/2016
Irish hospital called 'health hazard' leaving patients at high risk of infection
New report on Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar has revealed a lack of basic infection control measures
9/26/2016
Keeping healthcare facility safety equipment and alarm systems compliant
Properly maintained fire protection equipment reduces the risk of loss, but there are many things that can make equipment noncompliant
9/26/2016
Better inpatient unit considers patient engagement
The search for the right inpatient unit design should go beyond size, footprint and type of care, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/26/2016
Navigating the new drone rules during healthcare facility construction
Newly published rules will provide a clearer regulatory framework for construction companies
9/26/2016
Is your healthcare facility prepared for an active shooter?
Healthcare facilities have unique challenges when it comes to emergency situations
9/23/2016
Philadelphia area hospitals recognized for food initiatives
Philadelphia Department of Public Health honored six area hospitals for their healthy food initiatives through the 'Good Food, Healthy Hospitals' program
9/23/2016
DOE surveys nurses on patient lighting
The goals were to determine what’s needed in an ideal patient room lighting system and to identify opportunities for increasing energy efficiency
9/23/2016
Photo tour of Children’s Pavilion at Children’s Hospital of Richmond
The Children’s Pavilion at Children’s Hospital of Richmond was designed to create a gateway to the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/23/2016
Healthcare costs linked to bacteria in water systems rising
Between 1991 and 2006, more than 617,000 hospitalizations related to three common plumbing pathogens resulted in around $9 billion in Medicare payments
9/23/2016
When can existing MEP systems be reused in a renovation?
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems may not need to be replaced
9/23/2016
Need for Boston hospital expansion questioned
Boston Children’s Hospital planning $1 billion facility
9/22/2016
Joint Commission will change standards and survey process
Monthly tests under no-flow for electric motor fire pumps proposed
9/22/2016
Lockdown after shooting lifted at Houston hospital
According to the witnesses, at least 10 shots were fired in the drive-by shooting
9/22/2016
Fourth patient infected with Legionnaires' at UW Medical Center
The patient contracted Legionnaires' disease before water restrictions were implemented at the hospital
9/22/2016
Does your air measure up?
Universal Health Services sees 64 percent reduction in airborne pathogens
9/22/2016
Detroit hospital fined for inadequate security
State Agency cited high rates of workplace violence and inadequate security measures at Detroit Receiving Hospital
9/22/2016
Energy Focus, Inc. Signs on to be a Key Partner in the Healthy Energy in Healthcare Coalition
9/22/2016
Flagship NHS hospital called filthy and unsafe
Nurse says there are too few staff to keep it clean
9/21/2016
Ice maker, sinks linked to Legionnaires' outbreak
UW Medical Center Legionnaires' outbreak may be linked to two deaths
9/21/2016
Reusable infection control barriers make hospital renovation safer
Fair Oaks (Va.) Hospital reconstruction project uses new barrier system
9/21/2016
Eliminating odor in healthcare facilities
An effective way to neutralize odors is to use an odor eliminator
9/21/2016
Q&A: Standards regarding environmental rounds
Brad Keyes discusses standards regarding environmental rounds
9/21/2016
Creating design unity in healthcare mergers
Combining systems, facilities creates interior design challenges
9/21/2016
PURELL Brand Extends Portfolio with Launch of PURELL Surface Disinfecting and Sanitizing Sprays
9/21/2016
Minnesota Public Radio, Mayo Clinic offer classical relaxation to patients
Research indicates that music can aid healing in many ways, such as improving pain control
9/20/2016
Silver-based treatment reduces bacteria in hospital laundry
Treating patient textiles with ionic silver after washing can decrease contamination
9/20/2016
Insights into clinic design
Post-occupancy evaluations of four clinics using the open team center model reveal which design strategies are most successful, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/20/2016
Benefits of wireless access control
Key cards, PINs, passwords and biometrics are a few of the options available
9/20/2016
Hospitals must adopt disaster management standards by Nov. 2017
Four best-practice standards for handling natural and man-made disasters mandated
9/20/2016
University of Iowa Children's Hospital plans move-in drills
A logistical session and two dry runs are planned before real move
9/20/2016
Study suggests bodily fluids can spread Zika
Tears, saliva, vomit, urine or stool may have the potential to transmit Zika
9/19/2016
Hospital's safety problems tied to holes in fire compartment walls
The breaches in the £380million structure could affect how fire spreads around the hospital
9/19/2016
Detroit hospital fined for lax workplace security
Detroit Medical Center is also under fire again for instrument cleaning practices
9/19/2016
Link found between antibacterial ingredients in dust and antibiotic resistance
Scientists find a link between antimicrobial substances like triclosan and levels of antibiotic resistant genes
9/19/2016
Texas Health Huguley Hospital held two mock move-in days prior to transporting patients to the new location
New 140-bed hospital built to accommodate future expansion
9/19/2016
Sealed Air’s Diversey Care Makes Global Triclosan-free Commitment within its Hand Care Line
9/19/2016
Five ways healthcare facilities are improving the workplace
Hospitals are trying to reduce clinician burnout
9/16/2016
Gundersen Health System environmental services department honored
Environmental services department adopts 'Every patient is my patient' motto
9/16/2016
Hospitals working to accommodate obese patients
Hospitals across the country are making structural changes to support an increasingly heavy patient population
9/16/2016
Connecticut hospitals working to reduce night noise
Clattering carts, overly bright lights and frequent disruptions discouraged at night
9/16/2016
Healthcare facilities – a recipe for data breach disaster
The bring your own device (BYOD) trend, while helpful for doctors, nurses and hospitals, has opened the malicious floodgates to a host of cyber-attack possibilities
9/16/2016
Employee shot in Arizona healthcare facility parking garage
Tucson Medical Center was locked down and people were escorted to their cars after shooting
9/16/2016
Organization supporting next generation of evidence-based design researchers
Center for Health Design requesting proposals to improve healthcare outcomes through the built environment
9/16/2016
Senior Healthcare Executive Indrajit Obeysekere Joins Meridian as Vice President of Client Services
9/16/2016
America has a surgical instrument quality epidemic
Detroit facility must explain how 11 years of sterile processing challenges went unaddressed
9/15/2016
Researchers exploring alarm fatigue
University of California San Francisco team is working to help combat alarm fatigue among clinicians
9/15/2016
Dirty medical tools dangers just emerging
Unclean surgical, medical instruments are nothing new
9/15/2016
Healthcare facility leaders are aiming for noise-free hospitals
Noise pollution in hospitals can threaten patient safety
9/15/2016
House panel investigating Long Island V.A. hospital
Operating rooms were closed after sand-size black particles fell from air ducts
9/15/2016
Nevada project uses BIM/3-D integrated workflow
UHS Henderson Hospital engineers and detailers collaborated to produce design deliverables and shop drawings from the same 3-D BIM model, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/15/2016
Tyco Security Products Showcases Complete Security Solution, Cyber Security Program at ASIS 2016
9/15/2016
Labelmaster Offers Economical Solution for Companies Shipping Defective, Damaged Lithium Batteries
9/15/2016
Q&A: New testing and inspection requirements
Brad Keyes discusses new testing and inspection requirements
9/14/2016
University of Miami Health Care gets grant to build life skills gym
Gym will help patients practice typical home activities in preparation for discharge
9/14/2016
New, smaller hospital to replace failing Colorado facility
New facility will have two inpatient beds and a 24/7 ER
9/14/2016
Fire safety fears force remedial work healthcare facility
Builder is carrying out remedial work at a hospital it built ten years ago
9/14/2016
Lightning strike, fire sparks evacuation at Florida hospital
Surgeries were canceled at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point
9/14/2016
Unsanitary conditions found in N.J. pediatrician's exam room
Problems with storage and disposal of vaccines and biohazardous materials found
9/14/2016
Proposed CMS emergency preparedness standards not expected to be 'radical departure’
CMS is expected to adopt its own standards by the end of 2016
9/14/2016
Digital Signage Federation Announces Call for Applications for the 2016-17 Geri Wolff Scholarship
9/14/2016
Des Moines hospital issues warning to open-heart surgery patients after two infections
About 2,600 patients may be at risk for infections linked to a device used during surgery
9/13/2016
Extending life of healthcare facility linens
Linen care can sometimes take a back seat to saving a dollar in the short term
9/13/2016
Cleveland healthcare facility to include medical school
New structure will house the new Case Western Reserve University Health Education campus
9/13/2016
Software calculates long-term costs of green products
Practice Greenhealth unveils sustainability tool
9/13/2016
Design flaws blamed for Royal Hospital for Sick Children delay
Pressure to meet deadlines and “seriously flawed” designs linked to six-month delay
9/13/2016
PACE is here to stay
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is gaining momentum across the country as a cost-effective and compassionate way to support the desires of frail elders to live in their homes
9/13/2016
Michigan launches probe of dirty instruments at healthcare facility
Doctors have been complaining about dirty, broken and missing surgical instruments for years
9/12/2016
Storm damage forces Oklahoma hospital to transport patients
Severe weather leaves behind flooding and structural damage
9/12/2016
Outsourcing healthcare food service is common
The company that Mayo plans to contract with for its food and nutrition services works with about 650 hospitals and health systems nationally
9/12/2016
FDA bans triclosan from antibacterial soap
Over-the-counter consumer antiseptic wash products with one or more of 19 specific active ingredients can no longer be marketed
9/12/2016
Designing flexible core labs in healthcare facilities
Ideal lab promotes collaboration and is flexible and easily modified
9/12/2016
Healthcare construction rising
Spending for new hospital construction is projected to be more than $7 billion in 2016
9/12/2016
Ohio memory care facility designed to look like a 1940s small town
Lantern of Chagrin Valley has interior courtyards and corridors that look like tiny houses with front porches looking out over a golf course
9/9/2016
Healthcare facilities prepare for Zika by expanding care, partnerships
Hospitals open specialty clinics to learn about the virus
9/9/2016
Basketball team, health system partner for healthcare facility
Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin get naming rights to Milwaukee Bucks training facility
9/9/2016
Irish nursing home embraces hand hygiene
Interviews with new residents, staff include a session on hand-washing
9/9/2016
Same-day surgery center offers homey recovery space
N.Y.C.'s Josie Robertson Surgery Center provides patients a soothing environment
9/9/2016
Nursing home fined after laptop with patients' details stolen
Facility in North Ireland cited for data breach related to sensitive details about patients and staff
9/9/2016
Evidence of Zika found in tears
Study suggests contact with infected eyes may play a role in spreading the disease
9/8/2016
Hospital infection prevention: Project/worksite isolation with construction, renovation and maintenance activities/quality control
Most of the facility reconfigurations that require extensive renovation and construction usually occur in and around patient care areas where the risk to patients, staff and visitors may be extremely high
9/8/2016
IPs' role in healthcare laundering practices
Too often, infection prevention professionals don't realize that improperly laundered healthcare linens can pose a risk
9/8/2016
Internet of Things in healthcare creating fundamental changes
Rate of connectivity is accelerating
9/8/2016
Elderly patients moved from U.K. hospital ward over fire safety fears
NHS Tayside closes a ward for elderly people at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Dundee, citing environmental risks as the reason
9/8/2016
IT can help hospitals prepare for natural disasters
Hospitals monitor weather patterns to maintain needed levels of care, supplies
9/8/2016
‘Corporate bullying’ by utility may close Texas hospital
Luminant's attempts to reduce its property tax bill could affect Glen Rose Hospital
9/7/2016
VCU Medical Center police officer recognized for saving life
Guard has experience as a certified emergency medical technician and former advanced life support provider
9/7/2016
Design strategies can quiet healthcare environments
Research has found that noise in healthcare settings can prevent patients from sleeping and increase their stress and blood pressure, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/7/2016
Florida hospital active shooter plan reducing violence
Parrish Medical Center's planning prevented a random shooting from escalating
9/7/2016
Q&A: Door signage for oxygen cylinder storage
Brad Keyes discusses door signage for oxygen cylinder storage
9/7/2016
Orange County to get first emergency centers for psych patients
California healthcare facilities will treat people who suffer sudden psychiatric episodes
9/7/2016
Indiana health system will open eight microhospitals
St. Vincent's plan will answer need for acute care in central Indiana
9/6/2016
Union offers Mayo Clinic compromise in food-service workers dispute
SEIU Healthcare Minnesota calls proposal a win-win that could end the ongoing fight
9/6/2016
Do more healthcare-laundry regulation programs cause confusion?
There are different programs available, along with federal and regional requirements
9/6/2016
Cybersecurity survey finds providers are enhancing programs
Survey says lack of appropriate personnel and financial resources are barriers
9/6/2016
ASC infection-control compliance needs a team approach
Ambulatory surgery centers often don't have a person dedicated to infection control
9/6/2016
Survey explores lighting in healthcare facilities
The average engineering firm specifies $868,411 in lighting and lighting control products for healthcare facilities annually
9/6/2016
Holding textile laundering to a higher standard
HLAC president answers questions on improving safety
9/6/2016
Cleveland Clinic power failure sends patients home
A short circuit in basement wiring knocked out the power
9/2/2016
Healthcare facilities calling for sustainable meat and poultry
Health systems urge food producers to offer more meat and poultry products raised without routine antibiotics
9/2/2016
Colorado healthcare facilities train for disaster
Drill tests regional response to mass-casualty incident
9/2/2016
Mayo outsourcing of food service jobs looks familiar to some
The pending switch from Sodexo to Morrison Healthcare will transition about 700 local workers in southern Minnesota
9/2/2016
Ways healthcare facilities can support staff after a disaster
New guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services offers tips on caring for employees
9/2/2016
Study shows coordinated effort can reduce CRE 75 percent
Johns Hopkins reports that regional coordination among hospitals helps reduce HAIs
9/2/2016
Kentucky hospital dining trying to top area restaurants
The University of Kentucky Hospital opened Chandler Dining, a new food-court-like dining facility and kitchen that also serves patients in the hospital
9/1/2016
Bacterium enters Maryland hospital through its water system
Water tests found Pseudomonas bacterium in four sinks in Prince George’s County Hospital Center's neonatal intensive care unit, and two more sinks in another area of the hospital
9/1/2016
Many health IT pros still don't encrypt
Industry's top data guardians are feeling hampered in their efforts to protect their organizations by a lack of manpower and money
9/1/2016
Mock drill coordinates efforts of N.Y. community hospitals
Healthcare facilities practiced with a scenario in which a MQ-9 unmanned aircraft crashed on Fort Drum.
9/1/2016
Using Deep UV LEDs to prevent the spread of infectious disease
Instead of vaporizing toxic mercury to generate UV light, deep UV LEDs use semiconductor technology to achieve similar benefits with additional key advantages
9/1/2016
Spaulding Rehabilitation recognized for cutting energy use
ASHE's first Energy Champion reduced energy use by 15 percent
9/1/2016