- July 2014
Mice, filth alleged at New Jersey facility
Broken furniture, moldy mattresses and cigarette burns on floors and walls cited by former employee
7/31/2014
Public awareness called key to healthy design
Facility owners need more comprehensive data to support investments in healthier building practices and products, study says
7/31/2014
Hawaiian facility to shift beds from long-term to acute care
Hilo Medical Center wants to increase its acute medical care beds to 20 and eliminate 20 of its skilled nursing facility beds
7/31/2014
Designing to prevent HAIs
From design to maintenance, engineering can help prevent HAIs and ultimately improve patient health and satisfaction, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/31/2014
N.H. facilities drug-test law to begin
Most must adopt a written testing and diversion policy in August
7/31/2014
N.C. facility plans $16.5 million ER expansion
CaroMont Health expansion will increase the size of its emergency department by nearly 70 percent
7/31/2014
Trends in senior living design
Experts identified and discussed the driving trends in senior living design at Senior Living Design Symposium
7/31/2014
Fire alarm system Q&A
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answers a question about fire alarm systems in a business occupancy
7/31/2014
DuctSox's New SkeleCore pull-tight adds value-engineered, tensioned fabric duct to SkeleCore line
7/31/2014
Hospital face scaled back future
Massive structures are transitioning into multiple smaller buildings across the community
7/30/2014
Data analytics effective energy efficiency tool
Effective use of data analytics in healthcare facilities can reduce major equipment spending and increase energy savings by up to 30 percent
7/30/2014
UV cuts resistant organisms by 20 percent: study says
New York hospital added ultraviolet environmental disinfection (UVD) to its cleaning regimen of patient rooms
7/30/2014
Grand Falls Hospital uses pellet-fired heating system
Hospital is one of the first public buildings in New Brunswick to use a new energy-efficient heating system
7/30/2014
Clean construction protects patients
Clean construction methods reducing infection risks for patients.
7/30/2014
Mayo Clinic renovation design a team effort
Clinic exam and hospital suites were designed with the help of staff
7/30/2014
Design choices may reduce fall risk for elderly
Improving the design of walking environments may reduce risk of falling, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website
7/30/2014
Cincinnati hospital's facade honors region's artistic history
West Hospital project involved an artistic vision, mock-ups, a dose of technology and a leap of faith, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/30/2014
MaxLite's new Architectural Recessed Downlights deliver energy efficiency with design in mind
7/30/2014
Healthcare industry urged to address climate change
The healthcare industry could experience a "surge" from people without the means to move in response to increased temperatures
7/29/2014
Nursing station design must consider patient care issues
Varied use of nursing stations presents complex and challenging issues to designers
7/29/2014
Survey says wireless applications growing in hospitals
Examples include cellular service, nurse call systems and patient monitoring
7/29/2014
Joint Commission online learning module addresses long-term care infections
Online educational tool focuses on how to apply high-reliability principles
7/29/2014
Smart building automation systems can add intelligence, efficiency
Healthcare facilities differ from other buildings making them challenging and demanding places to install and manage a BAS
7/29/2014
Systems engineering called crucial to transforming healthcare delivery
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urged to transform healthcare nationally by engineering a 'robust' health information infrastructure
7/29/2014
Soliant Health names 20 Most Beautiful Hospitals for 2014
The specialty healthcare staffing provider named McKay-Dee Hospital Center in Ogden, Utah, the winner
7/29/2014
In healthcare design, what is 'appropriate'?
In a blog on the Healthcare Design website, Debra Levin discusses the difference between designing an appropriate hospital for today's needs and realities and continuing to push the boundaries of innovation
7/29/2014
California hospital implements new security procedure
Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock has a new check-in and visitor-badge procedure
7/28/2014
Facility backup power requires correct connectivity
A careful assessment helps hospitals ensure outage protection
7/28/2014
Brigham and Women's Hospital project honored for safety in construction practices
IFMA Boston Excellence Award for Best Practices in Sustainability given to Brigham and Women's Hospital and EH&E
7/28/2014
Study says good physical work environment = effective nurses
Physical work environments affect registered nurses (RNs) and their ability to complete tasks, communicate and do their jobs efficiently
7/28/2014
Gardens in long-term care settings benefit dementia patients
Gardens promote relaxation, stimulate memories, encourage activity and reduce agitation among residents who have dementia, according to an article on the Long-Term Living website
7/28/2014
Online infection control course offered to improve construction safety
Renovation and construction projects in healthcare environments pose unique infection control challenges for contractors and workers
7/28/2014
Comfortable work environments boost productivity
Providing a comfortable setting has become a healthcare priority for productivity, recruitment and retention, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/28/2014
LaMar Lighting introduces DS-LED dual sensor luminaire with optional emergency battery backup
7/28/2014
ASHRAE, IAQA agree to join forces
Indoor Air Quality Association will become a part of ASHRAE while maintaining its own brand and board of directors
7/25/2014
Iowa hospital begins $138.5 million ER renovation, expansion
New seven-story tower planned for Genesis Medical Center - Davenport to improve service time
7/25/2014
Improving patient satisfaction starts with the floor
Floors have a big impact on perceptions of cleanliness. Facilities managers should look with a critical eye on ways to improve what patients see.
7/25/2014
Hospital engineering should integrate infection prevention in design
Many hospitals within the GCC region lack the availability of negative pressure rooms and HEPA filters to deal with the surge of airborne respiratory infection
7/25/2014
Ensuring inpatient and outpatient pharmacies are secure
It is extremely important for the pharmacy director and security director to have a close relationship and regularly perform risk assessments
7/25/2014
Changes expected for Chinese healthcare market
Discretionary spending on healthcare will rise and lead to an increase in access control and availability for the consumer, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/25/2014
Report says doctors key to connection between building environment and patient health
Research shows connection is often missed by physicians
7/25/2014
Legionella bacteria found again at UPMC Presbyterian
Infection control workers found the bacteria in sinks in three patient rooms
7/24/2014
Support kit helps prevent healthcare injuries
Kit contains tools and tips for implementing and sustaining a facility-wide healthcare injuries prevention program
7/24/2014
Tennessee hospital creates culture of safety
Vanderbilt University Medical Center boosted hand washing, cut infections
7/24/2014
Technology used for hospital bed safety
High-tech system uses digital lines to draw a safety zone around patients to provide continual monitoring
7/24/2014
Advanced paint technologies help facilities keep score with ACA standards
Some of today's advanced coatings help improve indoor air quality, reduce odors and help keep facilities clean
7/24/2014
Evacuation map Q&A
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answeres a question about evacuation route maps
7/24/2014
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital designed with welcoming architecture
New Nebraska facility's humanistic look reflects its emphasis on holistic rehabilitation, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/24/2014
Practice Greenhealth awards winners announced
Awards are given each year to honor outstanding programs that reduce a healthcare facility's environmental footprint
7/24/2014
Smartware Group Inc. clients praise Bigfoot CMMS' elegant user interface and rich functionality
7/24/2014
Wisconsin healthcare campus designed for water conservation
The University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics incorporates water sustainability measures
7/23/2014
Colorado facility adds hydro therapy rehabilitation pools
Orchard Park Health Care Center focuses on luxury as well as therapy
7/23/2014
Savannah hospital unveils $1 million kitchen
Memorial University Medical Center cafe has new furnishings, lighting, flooring and millwork
7/23/2014
Designing a hybrid operating room
Imaging equipment tools must now be permanently integrated into hybrid ORs
7/23/2014
Mercy Health designed for future flexibility
Cincinnati facility ready for the evolution of services in years to come, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/23/2014
ASHRAE building automation systems guideline available
Guideline gives building automation system designers background information, recommendations for good practice and project considerations
7/23/2014
Children's hospital sports playful design
Theme for newest building at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is 'The Power of Play'
7/23/2014
Carnival Cruises launches in-house medical facility
Miami-based Carnival employees can get their non-emergency medical needs taken care of at the office
7/22/2014
New Australian hospital takes green path
$1.76 billion Fiona Stanley Hospital in Western Australia is an example of how sustainable building practices can affect well-being
7/22/2014
Joint Commission PFI list rules changed
The changes align the Joint Commission's survey process with the requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7/22/2014
Texas hospital designed for community wellness
Resolute Health Hospital campus features a fitness center, health-oriented restaurants and walking trails
7/22/2014
More than $637 million in maintenance deferred for Alberta health facilities
The deferred costs make up three percent of the total value of health facilities in Alberta
7/22/2014
U.S. and Chinese health design trends compared
The discusion was part of the 15th Hospital Build and Infrastructure China Exhibition and Congress, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/22/2014
Wisconsin health system near energy independence
The Gundersen Health System's conservation measures have reached $2 million in annual energy savings
7/22/2014
Hospital bans showers after legionella bacteria is found
Leicester General Hospital says boiled drinking water is being provided and hand-wash basins and toilets remained safer to use
7/21/2014
Low-cost energy efficiency upgrades
A preliminary feasibility assessment (PFA), completed by an energy engineer, is a good, cost-effective first step
7/21/2014
Experts join to offer guidance on hand hygiene
Strategies include updated evidence, reviews and recommendations
7/21/2014
White paper on healthcare laundry cooperatives available
White paper offers an overview of laundry options available to healthcare providers, including laundry cooperatives
7/21/2014
Flow modeling can improve care team services delivery
Flow models can help envision and plan for the future and gain stakeholders' support transformational change
7/21/2014
East Tennessee Children's Hospital plans surgery and NICU expansion
Project's goal is to strengthen the hospital's regional recognition and brand by improving operations and elevating the quality of pediatric care, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/21/2014
Ensuring patient safety during construction
Interim life safety measures often are needed during a renovation project or new construction
7/21/2014
Rising obesity rate spurs hospitals to adapt equipment
Facility, supply changes made to ensure safety and prevent embarrassment
7/18/2014
Saskatchewan care home 'held together with duct tape'
Aging Pioneer Village in Regina falling apart, according to report
7/18/2014
Prioritizing data security for healthcare organizations
Network break-ins are not always online. Thieves can slip into brick-and- mortar facilities and lift confidential information
7/18/2014
Wisconsin health system reduces energy footprint with LED luminaires
ThedaCare Health System saves more than $40,000 annually on energy and maintenance, while improving security of its outdoor spaces with LED luminaires
7/18/2014
Healthcare facility stairs hold unused potential
Clearly marked, easily accessible and safe stairwells can be a simple way to encourage activity, according to a blog on the Healthcare Design website by Editor-in-Chief Kristin D. Zeit
7/18/2014
Waste-treating autoclaves getting more efficient
The technology has been around for awhile, but vendors are still adding features to waste-treating autoclaves to make them safer and more efficient
7/18/2014
Probe of Greenville deadly infections focuses on water
Federal officials are focusing on water as the potential source of the bacteria that infected 15 patients at Greenville Memorial Hospital and may have contributed to three deaths
7/17/2014
Study reports benefits of prefabrication
Report presents details of how prefabricated components enabled improvements to project's overall schedule
7/17/2014
Maryland fails to inspect many facilities for developmentally disabled, assisted living
In 2012, Maryland's Office of Health Care Quality failed to inspect more that half of the state's assisted living facilities and almost three-quarters of facilities for the developmentally disabled
7/17/2014
Workplace clinic system may expand into Wisconsin
On-site workplace health clinics have been called critical to the shift toward preventive care
7/17/2014
During natural disasters, hospital resilience is key
American Meteorological Society suggests having medical centers look at their structural designs and consider relocating critical components to higher ground
7/17/2014
Hospital housekeeping best practices
Infection prevention and operational efficiency can both be accomplished with a clear protocol
7/17/2014
Operational readiness should be part of facility planning process
Dramatic changes to a physical environment and changes in services and processes call for a readiness strategy before the transition, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/17/2014
More data available for informed design decisions
The body of knowledge and research is increasing dramatically for healthcare designers
7/17/2014
Hospital elevator button called bacterial hotspot
Study says hospital elevator buttons were dirtier than toilet surfaces
7/16/2014
Study: Hospital wards overheat because windows don't open
Most hospital wards are prone to overheating because health and safety fears have triggered restrictions on opening windows
7/16/2014
Fire extinguisher cabinet Q&A
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answeres a question about fire extinguisher cabinet labeling
7/16/2014
Washington hospital opens new cafe with sustainable menu, healthy choices
EvergreenHealth's Cafe 128 offers local, seasonal and sustainable foods and ingredients that support the system's Healthy Food in Health Care Pledge
7/16/2014
Chicago-area hospital plans major expansion
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove plans an expansion to add more private rooms
7/16/2014
White paper offers tips to create a culture of safety
Free publication says an effective hospital safety program starts at the top
7/16/2014
Children's hospital lounge caters to families
Hasbro Children's Hospital lounge is modeled after Dunkin Donuts' restaurant concept and features donated coffee, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/16/2014
Prefabrication or modularization can boost project efficiency
Both methods reduce waste and improve speed of construction
7/16/2014
Bed bugs force hospital waiting room to close
Cleaning crews at a Springfield, Mo., hospital found the bed bugs while people were in the waiting room and immediately closed the area
7/15/2014
Report says University of Chicago has too many beds
U of C Medicine's $124 million plan to shuffle beds at two facilities is in question as regulators say the hospital already has more capacity than is justified under state standards
7/15/2014
Trendy flooring choices are often wax-free
The elimination of wax and wax-stripping products is better for indoor air quality and minimizes downtime for patient rooms
7/15/2014
'Quiet Kits' can change patient experience
Packages containing ear plugs, an eye mask, lip balm and puzzles are put on the pillows of patient beds to help patients relax
7/15/2014
Does evidence-based design translate?
An article on the Healthcare Design website discusses whether U.S.-evidence-based design delivers similar outcomes abroad
7/15/2014
Virginia Hospital ready for disaster
Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital has Stabilization Treat in Place (STIP) tent
7/15/2014
Healthcare robotics can do some heavy lifting
Automated guided vehicles can handle large material transport activities
7/15/2014
Annapolis medical center will stop hiring smokers in July 2015
Anne Arundel Medical Center has banned all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes on its campus
7/14/2014
Australian health executive remembers flood evacuation
Health Service chief executive Adrian Pennington reflects on Bundaberg Hospital evacuation after 2013 flood
7/14/2014
Keys to long-term care facility security
Recent events have created a new awareness of the importance of quality security management, according to a blog on the Long-Term Living website
7/14/2014
Facility readiness vital in weather disasters
Healthcare facilities should be ready to recover and move forward after a violent weather event
7/14/2014
Syracuse medical center gets $2.5 million from state for expansion
St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center undergoing a $265 million facility expansion
7/14/2014
Sports medicine clinic gets up and running
Facility designed so space is fully optimized, making the patient flow and journey as pleasant as possible
7/14/2014
Reconfiguring healthcare space for new technology comes with challenges
To keep up with medical advancements, facilities are renovating to accommodate new state-of-the-art equipment, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/14/2014
Disasters bring hospitals valuable lessons along with damage
Health Facilities Management survey asks 911 health executives about trends in emergency management
7/14/2014
Emergency rooms try online booking
Hospitals across the country are attempting to cut waiting room times
7/11/2014
Nineteenth century heating system relevant to healthcare facilities today
A summer day-trip to a historial building leads to an exploration of healthcare heating systems in a blog by Krista Biason on the HGA website
7/11/2014
Philadelphia hospitals embrace energy efficiency
Mercy Philadelphia Health System has adopted energy-efficient systems
7/11/2014
Long-term care facility evacuation relies on planning and common sense
In an emergency situation, experience, equipment and level heads are needed, according to an article on the Long-Term Living website
7/11/2014
Kaiser Permanente Oakland replacement hospital opens
Twelve-story, 349-bed hospital is directly across the street from the medical center it replaces
7/11/2014
Medical equipment planning key to project success
The involvement of strong clinical consultants, medical equipment planners and biomedical engineers is called critical
7/11/2014
Medical record storage can impact design and infrastructure plans
Considering the importance of medical records, their safekeeping and accessibility should be paramount when designing a healthcare facility
7/10/2014
New OSHA resource focuses on reducing nursing home worker injuries
New brochure addresses the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among nursing home and residential care workers
7/10/2014
Ohiohealth shifting focus to outpatient services
A new facility is planned and inpatient services at Doctors Hospital Nelsonville will cease before the end of this year, although the emergency department will remain open
7/10/2014
UK hospital trust admits health and safety asbestos issues
The Trust admits failing to ensure the safety of Watford General Hospital employees exposed to asbestos between 2000 and 2011
7/10/2014
Topeka hospitals explore healthy food options
Statewide initiative encourages offering more fruits and vegetables, labeling foods with nutrition facts, eliminating fried foods and offering healthier choices in vending machines
7/10/2014
Community buy-in matters for healthcare facilities
Recent headlines demonstrate the necessity of including the community in the design process, according to a blog on the Healthcare Design website
7/10/2014
Healthcare interior design's role often under-recognized
Interior designers' decisions can directly impact patient wellbeing
7/9/2014
Southwest Florida hospitals increase hand-hygiene compliance
Turnaround credited to training, surveillance and hand-sanitizer stations in needed areas
7/9/2014
Saskatchewan healthcare facilities need $2.2 billion in repairs
Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital requires $435 million to address maintenance needs
7/9/2014
Missouri offers loans for hospital energy efficiency
$7.5 million in low-interest loans is available to complete energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects
7/9/2014
Toilets major source of contamination in healthcare
Study says areas around hospital toilets were more likely to test positive for viruses and bacteria than areas around office toilets
7/9/2014
LEED rating system putting focus on product content
U.S. Green Building Council VP talks about how the system is helping to drive material disclosure in a blog on the Healthcare Design website
7/9/2014
Hubbell Building Automation unveils new family of energy-saving Lighthawk2 lighting control sensors
7/9/2014
Hospitals see increase in violent crime
Majority of incidents involve violence directed at employees by clients or patients
7/8/2014
Hospital evacuation best practices
Avoiding evacuation drills and the lack of vulnerability identification are errors in hospital readiness.
7/8/2014
Kansas hospitals commit to healthier environments
51 facilities pledge to make healthier on-site food and beverages a priority
7/8/2014
Saginaw-area hospitals focus on stopping HAIs
Hand-washing, isolation and proper cleaning of rooms are tactics used to prevent the spread of infection
7/8/2014
Missouri hospitals find it's becoming easier to go green
LED and compact fluorescent bulbs, reusable and recycled materials and energy efficient heating and air-conditioning units are more readily available
7/8/2014
Teck Acute Care Centre design separates public, patient and staff flows with few crossovers
One of the central design objectives of the Vancouver, B.C., facility is to improve care delivery by optimizing access and flow, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/8/2014
Affordable Care Act expected to bring more outpatient facilities
Increase in insured patients expected to send more patients to outpatient care rather than the emergency room
7/7/2014
Missouri hospital participates in national earthquake drill
Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall examined its emergency response capacity and reporting mechanisms
7/7/2014
Indiana hospital cited for safety lapses for lack of permits
Porter Regional Hospital did not secure the necessary county permits before installing two underground diesel fuel tanks
7/7/2014
Boston-area hospital receives 'Greenhealth' award
Newton-Wellesley Hospital honored for environmental achievements in the healthcare sector
7/7/2014
Study finds building design can influence patient behavior
Images of curves in building exteriors and interiors may make people more fearful, according to an article on the Healthcare Design
7/7/2014
Low hand-hygiene compliance found during anesthesia administration
Researchers used video to map patterns of hand contact with anesthesia work environment surfaces
7/7/2014
Buffalo hospital adds 'safe room' in ER
Buffalo General Medical Center converts existing bay to better treat patients with behavioral health issues
7/3/2014
S.C. emergency workers shuttle water to hospitals and nursing homes
Workers try to keep air-conditioning operations running after treatment plant failure
7/3/2014
LED luminaires solve senior living lighting challenges
Quality LED lighting can put facility managers and residents at ease with the ability to solve some of the most common problems experienced with lighting
7/3/2014
Cost-effective building design tips
Small decisions can add up to either big savings or bigger costs in the design process
7/3/2014
Building product transparency basics
Healthcare projects can now earn LEED points for using environmental product declarations (EPDs) and health product declarations (HPDs), according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/3/2014
Design solutions for healthcare wayfinding
The design of the environment should include intuitive wayfinding from the start of the campus master-planning process
7/3/2014
Florida health system investing $1 million on infection-resistant garments
Baptist Health is buying garments for staff and patients that are designed to repel fluids and minimize transmission of hospital-borne infections
7/2/2014
Facade design may help the healing process
With imaginative thinking and the latest technology, the facade can unify the demands required of healthcare building facilities
7/2/2014
UV disinfection reduces multidrug-resistant organisms at NY hospital
The rates during UV environmental disinfection are the lowest incidence rates for the past 10 years and were sustained for 22 months
7/2/2014
Baltimore senior care facility installs massive solar array
Glen Meadow Retirement Community's 1.2-megawatt solar array consists of 4,150 panels and will generate 1.5 million kilowatt hours of energy annually
7/2/2014
Healthcare construction boom highlights BIM advancements
With Building Information Modeling, a healthcare facility can be designed, built and tested in a virtual environment
7/2/2014
UK hospitals flagged for poor cleanliness and infection control
Hospitals in Northern England marked down for handling of C diff cases
7/2/2014
Bathroom designs address safety with style
While patient bathrooms are being re-evaluated with an eye on comfort, safety is still the key concern, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/2/2014
Hospital's security a coordinated effort
Security focus at Froedtert Hospital starts with hospital leadership
7/1/2014
Increased growth expected in healthcare construction
Health care will grow 3.9 percent in 2014 with an average five-year growth rate of 6.7 percent through 2017
7/1/2014
Cleveland Clinic launches millennial-friendly experience overhaul
Clinic cuts wait times and offers same-day appointments to woo younger patients
7/1/2014
Healthcare reform means opportunities, threats
Ambulatory projects are plentiful, but they are smaller and designers will need volume to match billings, according to a blog on the Healthcare Design website
7/1/2014