- February 2014
Hospitals ban sugary drinks
New Zealand healthcare facilities will phase out soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks and flavored milk
2/28/2014
Pennsylvania predicts huge need for nursing home beds
State is trying to avoid spikes in the nursing home population by funding services that will allow older residents to live independently at home
2/28/2014
Technology, common sense key for hospital security
In addition to employee vigilance, cameras and security measures are in place to protect prescription drugs and other valuables
2/28/2014
Modeling can increase energy efficiency
Advanced tools enable facilities teams and their energy-industry partners to use net present value (NPV)-based cost analysis
2/28/2014
Health IT security facing 'perfect storm'
Rapidly evolving technology, policy changes and facility consolidation are creating new security demands
2/28/2014
Healthcare changes spur retail, urgent care clinics growth
Customer demand and shifts in health-care policy have fostered a rapidly expanding business
2/28/2014
Healthcare Design magazine honors construction/ business executive
Carlos Gonzalez and his team completed construction on the 1 million-square-foot, $456 million Camp Pendleton replacement hospital project in October 2013
2/28/2014
Exploring Presbyterian Healthcare Services patient experience efforts
Presbyterian began addressing the issue of experience in 2005. The efforts have engaged leaders and driven significant cultural and organizational changes
2/28/2014
How hospitals stay open during extreme weather
Medical centers have needed to deal with everything from staffing shortages to busted pipes to power outages during the past few months
2/27/2014
Healthcare Design magazine honors educator
James Shraiky is the founder of the Healthcare Design Initiatives department at Arizona State University
2/27/2014
Patient safety progress called 'excruciatingly slow'
Hospitals need more incentives to to make patient care safer, public health expert says
2/27/2014
Fire alarm system upgrade Q&A
When renovating part of a building, does the fire alarm system in the existing area of the building need to be upgraded as well?
2/27/2014
Proper lab ventilation needed to protect to life and property
Understanding the codes and standards that guide laboratory ventilation design is key
2/27/2014
Survey: Top-level support lacking at health care data centers
Only 30 percent of the health care facilities surveyed say they have top-management support
2/27/2014
Pakistan makes medical waste top health priority
The government had given priority to environmental health, medical waste management and infection control
2/27/2014
Cedars-Sinai Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion gets LEED-NC Gold certification
The exterior of the pavilion features a double-facade, high-performance glass skin that reduces heat gain and glare while providing a comfortable interior environment
2/27/2014
California legislation aimed at improving elder care
Bay Area lawmakers create package to demand changes within the state Department of Social Services
2/26/2014
Study finds low rate of infections following ambulatory surgery
The absolute number of patients with these complications is still substantial, according to JAMA
2/26/2014
ASHE announces sustainability partners
American Society for Healthcare Engineering announces the first 10 allies to the Sustainability Roadmap program
2/26/2014
Healthcare should partner with retail
A healthcare presence in a retail setting will be an essential strategy in meeting the expectations of the restructured health system
2/26/2014
VA initiative slashes MRSA rates
A nationwide initiative at 133 of the VA's long-term care facilities found that using a bundled approach to prevention helped to cut overall MRSA rates by 36 percent
2/26/2014
Healthcare Design magazine honors facility manager
Mitch Goplen, vice president of facility services for the Billings Clinic, oversees more than 1 million square feet of facility space
2/26/2014
Hospital CFOs should consider green strategies
Factoring in sustainability can improve communities but also offset financial pressures
2/26/2014
Study says healthcare organizations under siege from cyberattacks
In addition to getting access to patient files and information, the attackers infiltrated devices such as radiology imaging software, conferencing systems, printers, firewalls, Web cameras and mail servers
2/25/2014
Technology gaps threaten post-acute facilities
Without better technology capabilities, about half of providers surveyed predict they will be bought out by more capable companies by 2015
2/25/2014
'Take Care' worksite health centers accredited as patient-centered medical homes
Walgreen's worksite health centers are staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and other medical professionals, and offer services including primary care, pharmacy, occupational health, fitness, chronic condition management, physical therapy, dental and vision
2/25/2014
CMS proposes emergency preparedness rule
Proposed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule would require all hospitals to develop a plan
2/25/2014
Healthcare Design magazine honors Rising Star
David Ruthven, co-lead and creative director, NXT Health, gained national attention for the Patient Room 2020 project
2/25/2014
Construction begins for new $120M hospital tower in Hawaii
Kapiolani Health Foundation begins multiphase plan to rebuild nonprofit hospital
2/25/2014
Network technology becoming fourth utility in healthcare construction
Technology joins mechanical, electrical and plumbing as role in healthcare increases
2/25/2014
Designing for EHRs in today's healthcare facility
Process map, systems analysis and staff training keys to successful plan
2/25/2014
Kodak and PurThread to collaborate on antimicrobial surface solutions for healthcare and military
2/25/2014
Insect problem, other issues reported at Connecticut VA
Federal inspectors found unsanitary conditions, an insect problem and inadequate infection control in operating rooms at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System hospital in West Haven
2/24/2014
Nine out of 10 healthcare providers call ACA a 'step forward:' survey
Eighty-six percent say the Affordable Care Act needs major changes or revisions however
2/24/2014
New program to offer long distance health services to students
With bluetooth-enabled stethoscopes, otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes, a pediatrician will see patients at the elementary school as part of a telehealth program
2/24/2014
Serene interior design and art reflect spirit of Parkinson's support facility
Every design feature needed to complement the intended outcome: the creation of a unique facility for Parkinson's patients and caregivers
2/24/2014
US hospital construction booming
Hospitals across the country building, expanding to meet expected growth in patient population
2/24/2014
Healthcare Design magazine honors Firm of the Year
Perkins+Will work with the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital attention for its waterfront facility with endless daylighting, resilient and green features and integration with the community
2/24/2014
App boosts efficiency at hospital job site
New mobile app streamlined communication at the construction site of the Anderson Lucchetti Women's and Children's Center
2/24/2014
Ecotherapy gardens may heal the body by healing the Earth
Ecotherapy programs can be scaled to suit suburban and rural facilities with lots of landscape space or to challenging urban sites through the use of small container gardens or landscaped roofs
2/24/2014
Clorox Healthcare launches a new comprehensive approach to environmental disinfection for healthcare
2/24/2014
Metro using machine-to-machine technology to make vital patient data accessible at the point of care
2/24/2014
Managing healthcare facility bed bug problems
Preventative measures must be weighed against privacy concerns
2/21/2014
Hospitals put patient safety first in storm preparation
Facilities are reviewing their weather and emergency planning policies
2/21/2014
Security product choices, maintenance can save lives
Lock-out death in Alzheimer care facilities points out importance of maintaining, monitoring security measures
2/21/2014
Concord Hospital staff to conduct active shooter training exercise
The hospital re-evaluated its own safety policies after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook
2/21/2014
Upgrading infrastructure for electronic health records
Developing an integrated, facility-wide EHR system starts with routing new cabling and wiring, installing power and data outlets, enabling Wi-Fi access and identifying information technology rack closets
2/21/2014
Architect honored by Healthcare Design magazine
Laura Poltronieri firm focuses exclusively on healthcare facilities serving children, infants, and mothers
2/21/2014
Benjamin Moore goes greener with Natura Renew, the industry's first premium bio-renewable paint
2/21/2014
California prison hospital cited for unsanitary conditions
California Health Care Facility in Stockton charged with mistreatment and medical malpractice
2/20/2014
White coats: infection control versus psychology
Does 'enclothed cognition' trump exposing patients to contaminated sleeves?
2/20/2014
Healthcare moving toward unified building codes
ASHE Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare reviews ICC codes and recommends changes
2/20/2014
Time to retire the fax machine
Faxes can mean lost information, lack of privacy and an unusable data format
2/20/2014
Architect discusses influencing the next generation of designers
Healthcare Design magazine's 'Take Five' series asks healthcare design professionals about what's got their attention
2/20/2014
Children's Medical Center Dallas focuses on accessible design
Main lobby receives an accessibility award for going above and beyond legal requirements
2/20/2014
Poor communication interpreted as poor service
Informal survey says C-Suite perceives facility managers as poor communicators and link this to poor service
2/20/2014
Team used economic stall to benefit replacement hospital project
Time was used to strategize additional ways to involve more local firms, eliminate waste and improve productivity
2/20/2014
Wireless WattStopper occupancy sensors offer versatile, time-saving solutions to manage energy
2/20/2014
Affordable Care Act impacting security
Facilities must continue to do more with less and design future changes
2/19/2014
White paper on power strips in healthcare facilities available
Paper discusses misuse of power strips in hospitals and offers guidance to avoid common mistakes that can result in citations, fines or patient injury
2/19/2014
Hospital offices designed for teamwork
When a team begins to design a healthcare office environment, it is important to understand the collaborative environment
2/19/2014
Bangkok hospital focuses on attracting medical tourism business
Bumrungrad International Hospital's new women and children's campus will include concierge service on the first floor and retail and dining on the second
2/19/2014
N.Y. laboratory a demonstration of new design ideas
Molecular Therapeutics laboratory includes more flexible spaces and a welcoming and relaxed environment for researchers
2/19/2014
Fire damper requirements in rated walls
Fire-rated barriers do not require fire dampers in fully ducted HVAC systems, unless the one-hour fire-rated barrier is a vertical shaft
2/19/2014
Healthcare workers report hand hygiene compliance - even with failures
Study shows providers are recording hand hygiene compliance as much higher than their actual compliance rates
2/19/2014
Generative space concept creates 'flourishing' environments
The CARITAS Project uses the generative space concept to create the next generation of improvements in health and healthcare delivery through innovative design of the environment
2/19/2014
IFMA offers enhanced Benchmarks Exchange (BEX) platform for facility management professionals
2/19/2014
MaxLite introduces Direct Lit LED Flat Panel Savers Series with third generation LED technology
2/19/2014
Effects of Quebec fire extend to US and abroad
Blaze spurs renewed calls for sprinkler systems
2/18/2014
Army hospital opens first expansion in 30 years
Winn Army Community Hospital is part of a two-phase $74 million project to revitalize facility
2/18/2014
10 reasons health care needs sustainability treatments
A sound treatment protocol should be balanced with resource conservation and management
2/18/2014
NYSID exhibit explores design for cancer patients
New York School of Interior Design announces an exhibition called Maggie's Centres: A Blueprint for Cancer Care, from March 7-April 25, 2014
2/18/2014
Five keys to hand hygiene compliance
A multifaceted hand hygiene initiative increases compliance, according to study
2/18/2014
When reality hits the perfect hybrid OR project
Proactive strategies are needed to keep the project on track and produce a successful outcome
2/18/2014
Simulated NICU shows impact of design on function
'Patient Experience Simulation Lab' experience is guided with input from actual clinicians, patients and families
2/18/2014
Proper CCTV placement based on risk assessment
Improperly placed camera wastes proactive security measure
2/18/2014
Bat colony removed from South Carolina hospital
40 bats found in Orangeburg facility after sightings
2/14/2014
Hospital parking attendants wear CCTV cameras for own safety
Parking attendants in Scottish hospital wear cameras to prevent violence and aggression
2/14/2014
Patient of the future offers new vision of care
Design team creates a smarter patient room that looks like it belongs in a space station
2/14/2014
In healthcare design, patients rather than facilities are the customer
The end user of a healthcare project design is the patient, and that person defines value
2/14/2014
New York prohibits smoking around healthcare facilities
New law in New York State prohibits smoking within 15 feet of a hospital or residential health care facility entrance or exit
2/14/2014
Fire safety a constant focus at Vancouver nursing homes
Fatal Quebec fire brings flood of questions to elder care facilities
2/14/2014
How a hospital room can help patients heal
Facility design moving from being caregiver centered to patient centered
2/14/2014
Armstrong Fluid Technology announces factory service plan for IPC Chiller Plant automation systems
2/14/2014
Virtua Health and Wellness Center employs the long span capabilities of CPI Daylighting's UniQuad
2/14/2014
Georgia hospital says it's snow-ready
Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton had its emergency management plan in operation long before the first snowflake fell
2/13/2014
Installing healthcare security with HIPAA and OSHA in mind
What integrators need to know in a complex hospital environment
2/13/2014
Hospital construction survey shows Obamacare spurring facilities assessment
Fifty one percent of respondents said they are considering the Affordable Care Act in senior leadership discussions about potential changes needed to existing facilities or campus design
2/13/2014
Scottish hospitals called out about dirty equipment
Inspectors cite beds, mattresses and commodes - as well as management of needles, waste and linen and continuing concerns around hand-cleaning
2/13/2014
It must be a sign: The anxiety factor in hospital wayfinding
Hospitals incorporate color and symbolism, flooring and ceiling cues, and easily identifiable landmarks in their way finding, but for a stressed patient or visitor, signage is most important
2/13/2014
Effective change management can help with major transitions
Using an inclusive and systematic design process helped Baltimore's Chase Brexton adeptly manage new CEOS and a remodeled historical building
2/13/2014
Alcohol rubs called good alternative to hand washing
Alcohol rubs are more efficient and convenient with higher antimicrobial properties than soap
2/13/2014
Maine healthcare center's fresh look reflects surroundings
Andre Health Care Facility's interior renovation includes new light fixtures, acoustic tiles in the ceilings, furniture and floor tiles, as well as a new color scheme that reflects nearby marshes, wetlands and trees
2/13/2014
H2i R2-Series VRF zoning systems operate highest performance heating capacity at lowest temperatures
2/13/2014
Lighting controls association updates ee203: lighting AND commercial energy codes online course
2/13/2014
SF General finds latest missing patient with new procedures
Procedures put in place recently in the wake of another missing patient who was found dead weeks after disappearing
2/12/2014
'Germinator' fights hospital infections at Cincinnati hospital
Matched pair of light machines, each around five feet tall, about 15 inches around, and 54 pounds mounted on industrial casters, clean the room with UV light
2/12/2014
Louisiana hospital adding screens against hurricane winds
More than 70 windows were pierced by debris during Hurricane Katrina, forcing patients to be moved to other parts of the hospital
2/12/2014
Provider consolidation among healthcare trends to watch, blog says
Also expect more new technology and the expansion of ambulatory care services
2/12/2014
Ontario Hospitals foodservice goes local
With $107,000 grant from the Greenbelt Fund and the Ontario government Halton Healthcare Services will be serving local food
2/12/2014
Children's ward equipment called safety risk
New Zealand's Wellington Hospital's beds, chairs deteriorated to the point that they were too ragged to clean effectively
2/12/2014
Top budget considerations for healthcare facility managers
A facility manager's tool kit should contain ways to maximize the total cost of ownership of all the assets they maintain
2/12/2014
Lack of knowledge hurts hand hygiene compliance, study says
Researchers talked to noncompliant healthcare workers to study hand washing habits
2/12/2014
Biamp Systems announces new paging input options and adaptors for VoIP and analog paging systems
2/12/2014
InsideIQ Duilding Automation Alliance firms share best practices, partner to meet client needs
2/12/2014
Housekeeping role called out in article series
'The Hospital' includes article and photo gallery focusing on housekeeping staff
2/11/2014
Children's hospitals often lead the way on innovation
Calming colors on the walls, dial-up dining service and MRI machines designed for comfort are recent changes inspired by children's hospitals
2/11/2014
Minnesota hospital improving safety practices and looking to spread the word
St. Joe's staff trying to educate Hubbard County residents about the danger of falling and ways to prevent it
2/11/2014
Texas hospital recognized for efforts to go 'paperless'
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Analytics program measures a hospital's implementation and use of medical records
2/11/2014
Landscape designer's insights into a healing garden
Healthcare Design's 'Take Five' series asks healthcare design professionals about what's got their attention
2/11/2014
Wayfinding can help building communication
Signage has been a primary method of place communication for generations and can be effective when designed with user needs in mind
2/11/2014
Energy efficiency initiative to benefit Ontario health care sector
Research suggests Ontario hospitals have the potential to reduce electricity consumption by approximately eight percent with higher savings achievable for natural gas
2/11/2014
Patient lifting equipment can benefit workers and patients
Health care industry spends about $20 billion annually on costs related to occupational back injuries
2/11/2014
MaxLite expands LED Commercial Recessed Downlight Retrofits for scalable commercial projects
2/11/2014
Silencing some hospital alarms may lead to better care
Boston Medical Center is attracting national attention as a hospital that apparently has conquered alarm fatigue
2/10/2014
Antimicrobial copper listed as a Top 10 Technology to Watch in 2014
ECRI Institute evaluates the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of health technologies
2/10/2014
Security gaps can cost $1.6 billion
Cutting corners on IT security can end up costing more down the road
2/10/2014
SickKids Research Institute designed for vertical interaction
New 778,000-square-foot tower in downtown Toronto brings together 200 principal investigators and a staff of nearly 2,000 people
2/10/2014
Missouri hospitals simplify 'code' calls
Plain language thought to heighten patient safety, increase response time
2/10/2014
Healthcare capital markets expect an active 2014
Changes in the healthcare delivery model could mean record year in medical office sales.
2/10/2014
UK hospital opens infection control unit
Patients with infections previously were treated in 32 side rooms spread across West Suffolk hospital
2/10/2014
Hospitals seek cure for confusing building navigation
Healthcare facilities are borrowing way finding ideas from shopping malls and airports
2/10/2014
Facilities focus on fire safety after Quebec fire
Long-term care facilities stress prevention measure in wake of fatal blaze at wood facility with no sprinklers.
2/7/2014
Events in 2013 will impact green cleaning in 2014
Improved economic outlook and focus on sustainable cleaning projects will change the landscape
2/7/2014
The benefits of retail conversions for healthcare
With the rise of empty big-box retail spaces nationally, many healthcare organizations are finding cost-effective solutions to their facility needs
2/7/2014
Connecticut hospital power plant saves 30 percent on energy bills
Middlesex Hospital uses natural gas to generate 90 to 100 percent of its power in its combined heat and power system. As the generator runs and creates electricity, the system captures excess heat exhaust and uses it to make steam.
2/7/2014
Frontline healthcare workers deserve recognition
Healthcare employers that invest in the skills and career development of frontline staffs are reaping the rewards of the investment
2/7/2014
CMS proposal for annual generator test for healthcare facilities flawed
Blogger says the proposed rule flies in the face of established National Fire Protection Association 99 and 110 standards for triennial tests, as well as those published by accreditation organizations
2/7/2014
Is your HVAC system harboring illness?
It's impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment. However, it may be possible to trap and eliminate airborne mold spores via the proper HVAC air filtration strategy.
2/6/2014
Short sleeves recommended by infection control experts
White coats should be removed before patient contact, experts say
2/6/2014
Dedham, Mass., health center ends use of alarms
There have been fewer falls and the number of falls that result in injury has remained stable.
2/6/2014
Renovated Craig Hospital doubles size of outpatient clinic
Englewood, Colo., facility adds 85,000 square feet of new space and approximately 135,000 square feet of renovated space including a new aquatic therapy pool
2/6/2014
Nottingham University Hospitals upgrade means large carbon and cost reductions
Fifteen-year plan to upgrade and manage the Queen's Medical Centre's on-site power plant, as well as introduce an energy efficiency program will reduce energy use and save approximately 2.8 million pounds annually
2/6/2014
Long-term care facility renovates to fit Boomers
New assisted living facility was designed to look like an assemblage of two- and three-story townhomes, but is very much a unified structure on the interior
2/6/2014
Behavioral health facility designers short on research
Little attention has been given to the role of the physical environment in behavioral health settings in the past 40 years
2/5/2014
UK HealthCare to renovate former Lexington Dillard's store
UK HealthCare will be the anchor tenant. The clinic will consolidate patient services of UK Family & Community Medicine.
2/5/2014
Indian college to host meeting on hospital safety
The conference will explore standard, contemporary and futuristic approaches to create a safe environment at hospitals for patients and healthcare workers
2/5/2014
Top budget considerations for healthcare facility managers
A facility manager's tool kit should contain ways to maximize the total cost of ownership of all the assets they maintain
2/5/2014
Aging showing preference for home care
New generation will drive how long-term care system operates. DC program helps seniors receive Medicaid-funded services at home
2/5/2014
Children's Medical Center design used to unite different groups in new space
Engineering, safety, and planning design & construction needed a space that would unite them as it educated the greater organization on the value that they provide
2/5/2014
Hospital water taps contaminated with bacteria
Research finds significantly higher levels of infectious pathogens in water from faucet taps with aerators compared to water from deeper in the plumbing system
2/4/2014
Best practices during patient watches help keep everybody safe
Security officers with these responsibilities should have CPR, de-escalation and First Aid training in addition to specific restraint/seclusion training
2/4/2014
CMS proposes rule on emergency preparedness
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule would establish national emergency preparedness requirements for 17 types of Medicare - and Medicaid-participating providers and suppliers
2/4/2014
Toronto dental facility recognized by interior design award
In addition to a new facade, the facility has a new roof with a large skylight to bring daylight into the center of the linear space. The ground floor had to be raised to meet code and that necessity became a virtue, giving the reception area, elevated above the street, a stage-like presence.
2/4/2014
Key elements for pediatric ambulatory care spaces
Designer emphasizes flexibility, security and community ties
2/4/2014
Take a virtual tour of The Palace at Coral Gables
Architectural and design criteria were focused on an upscale clientele of senior residents seeking to maintain their accustomed lifestyle among familiar surroundings
2/4/2014
Balancing ideal temperatures for aging patients and staff
Compromise is the name of the game with healthcare design
2/3/2014
Boomers looking for connected long-term care facilities
They are seeking a lifestyle that allows them to remain an active part of their town or city
2/3/2014
Rubber flooring may help healthcare facilities breath easier
Floors made of sustainable, non-hazardous materials can help maintain better indoor air quality
2/3/2014
Design focuses on range of pediatric patients
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center design team creates unique but related experiences for patients depending on their age
2/3/2014
Hospital security must adapt to Affordable Care Act changes
Security departments need to take a hard look at the services they currently provide and evaluate their necessity in the changing healthcare environment
2/3/2014
CEO explains Michigan hospital's luxe makeover
Hospital near Detroit feels like a luxury hotel and treats patients like guests
2/3/2014