Trending News - January 2014
SF General makes security changes after missing patient's death
Federally ordered changes have been made at San Francisco General Hospital following the death of a patient who was found in a stairwell at the hospital last October
1/31/2014
Bedpans get new cleaning solution
With the exception of the U.S., most industrialized nations now use mechanized bedpan washing technologies
1/31/2014
New CDC website to support long-term care infection control
Facilities can use the site to access the infection tracking system for long-term care facilities in the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network
1/31/2014
Geriatric emergency departments have implications for long-term care
Emergency departments designed for the elderly is one of 10 technology-related trends hospital leaders will be thinking about this year
1/31/2014
Design can deter patients from using hospital gardens
Lack of awareness and lack of shade linked to low garden use, according to study
1/31/2014
Kaleida Health recognized by interior design award
The medical complex was designed to remove the barriers between cardiology and neurosurgery, and between research, teaching, and clinical practice
1/31/2014
California lawmaker to introduce bill for oversight reforms of elderly care facilities
Bill would also increase training, and require facilities with residents who have restricted or specialized health conditions to employ trained medical personnel
1/31/2014
Gundersen Health System opens sustainable hospital
LaCrosse, Wis., facility aims to reduce energy consumption from the national average of 240-280 kBTU to 115kBTU, putting it among the top 1 percent of energy-efficient hospitals in the region and top 5 percent in the country
1/31/2014
Mitsubishi Electric introduces 400 volt uninterruptible power system for high-density data centers
1/31/2014
Will long-term living facilities need liquor licenses?
In addition to other amenities, this new generation of seniors wants a pub experience
1/30/2014
N.C. healthcare facility's burst pipes cause ceiling to fall in patient's room
Three lines in the sprinkler system of the Huntington Health and Rehabilitation facility ruptured
1/30/2014
Can healthcare design play a role in controlling asthma?
Report linking building materials and asthma is helping push for a greater understanding of what building materials are made of
1/30/2014
Controlling hazardous material circulation in healthcare facilities
Five key things health care professionals should keep in mind when dealing with variables such as hazardous and sterile materials
1/30/2014
Advanced paint technologies can help enhance patient experience
Formaldehyde-reducing technology helps improve indoor air quality by reducing airborne VOCs once the paint has dried
1/30/2014
Australian Capital Territory hospital patients needlessly contracting infections, expert says
Medical school professor says the number of cases could be cut by half by boosting infection control procedures
1/30/2014
ASHE announces Vista award winners
2014 award recognize the importance of working together to optimize the healthcare environment
1/30/2014
Discovery of worker's body in nursing facility raises security questions
Co-worker discovered corpse after men's bathroom goes unchecked, uncleaned for two days
1/29/2014
Minnesota lawmakers support reconstruction of hospital to increase security
Ongoing safety issues include a murder of a Minnesota Security Hospital patient by another patient in the facility.
1/29/2014
N.H. House backs bill requiring drug testing at healthcare facilities
The bill requires all licensed healthcare facilities in the state to implement drug-free workplace policies and must test employees where a 'reasonable suspicion exists'
1/29/2014
Hot water unnecessary for handwashing, study says
Water as cold as 40 degrees Fahrenheit reduced bacteria on hands just as well as warmer water, according to a report
1/29/2014
Children's Medical Center Dallas installs interactive exhibit
As part of yearlong centennial celebration, hospital adds feature that celebrates history
1/29/2014
Lean design means doing more with less
For the Lean method to work, an efficient operational process must be supported by the physical space
1/29/2014
Oahu hospital expects to slash electricity bill with energy retrofit
The energy overhaul, including a new central air conditioning and heat system and lighting upgrades, is expected to cost $5.8 million
1/29/2014
Integrated pest management key to keeping healthcare facilities safe
Pests particularly dangerous in a healthcare environment filled with patients with weakened immune systems
1/29/2014
Dozens feared dead after Quebec nursing home fire
Five people were confirmed dead and 31 were missing after a fire at Canadian nursing home built out of wood
1/28/2014
Behaviors, tools key to hospital safety
Florida hospital has adopted error-prevention tools and behaviors from commercial aviation and nuclear power, high-risk ventures that have implemented highly successful safety standards
1/28/2014
Up-to-date infection control technology, vigilance are musts for dental facility
When looking at the technology for a dental facility. it's important to consider what's most effective in the the sterilization area
1/28/2014
Infection control needs relationship between clinicians and environmental services
Infection control team and the environmental services/housekeeping team have recognized the importance of sharing their expertise for the benefit of all
1/28/2014
The patient is the focus of cancer center design
It's important for designers to understand the spectrum of journeys that cancer patients experience, to gain empathy that informs the design of environments to more effectively support the cancer fight
1/28/2014
Hospital presentation facilities have unique needs
The right lecterns and sound systems for healthcare settings must fit with the location and purpose
1/28/2014
Minnesota reporting system cuts hospital errors, study said.
Deaths and other harm to patients from preventable errors such as falls and surgical mistakes have dropped in the 10 years since Minnesota started requiring hospitals and other care centers to report them
1/28/2014
Initiatives put patient safety in the back seat
The Obama administration allocated $23 million to examine patient safety initiatives in the hopes of reducing liability costs. Early results of this multi-million dollar expenditure are programs aimed at keeping malpractice cases out of the court system.
1/28/2014