- September 2014
Hospital pillows can harbor pathogens
Thirty-eight percent of pillows retained infection-causing pathogens after disinfection
9/30/2014
Experts say US hospitals unprepared for Ebola waste
Waste management companies are refusing to haul away the soiled sheets and Ebola virus-spattered protective gear
9/30/2014
Converting doubles to private rooms
ACA has increased the pressure to go to all private rooms, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/30/2014
HVAC considerations in hybrid OR design
To maximize future flexibility, designers should consider using an integrated ceiling system rather than a monolithic design
9/30/2014
N.J. utility honored for hospital efficiency
PSE&G recognized for its $3.7 million energy-energy efficiency effort at Trinitas Regional Medical Center
9/30/2014
Essential vs. critical electrical systems
The three branches of generator power referred to as 'essential systems'
9/30/2014
Edmonton hospital fighting influx of flies
Misericordia Hospital says flies don't pose any health risk
9/29/2014
Five operating room cleaning checklists
Routine disinfection is associated with significant reductions in surgical site and other patient infections
9/29/2014
Preparing Caribbean hospitals for natural disasters
The smart hospital initiative has become a global standard for assessing the likelihood a hospital can remain functional in disasters
9/29/2014
Ontario health system introduces guest meal program
Family members and visitors on all inpatient units at Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital can order meals
9/29/2014
Children's hospital to have Xbox Kinect-powered atrium
New $270 million A.I. duPont Hospital for Children will open in Wilmington, Del.
9/29/2014
Critical power management systems vital for health facilities
A CPMS monitors and controls emergency generator sets, circuit breakers, transfer switches and other emergency power system equipment
9/29/2014
Minneapolis hospital reportedly used unsterilized equipment
Abbott Northwestern hospital use potentially dangerous instruments in four surgeries
9/26/2014
Broken bed alarm blamed in patient's death
Man died after he became disoriented and left his hospital room at UCSD Medical Center
9/26/2014
Hawaii approves funding for hospital upgrades
A total of $9.2 million was ok'd for projects that will include the renovation of two state facilities
9/26/2014
Derry renal facility honored for environmental services
Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, Ireland, was honored in a Best Kept Healthcare Facility competition
9/26/2014
New ambulance bay built to improve safety and efficiency
Janesville, Wis., hospital's new structure can accommodate five ambulances
9/26/2014
Boomers reinventing senior food service
Care organizations are recognizing that seniors want flexibility and variety in dining, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website
9/26/2014
Best hand-hygiene practices for a healthcare facility
Proper hand washing can help healthcare workers fight germs, bacteria and disease
9/26/2014
BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems boost efficiency, cost-effectiveness with updated listing
9/26/2014
Earthquake-retrofit costs lead to closing of L.A. hospital
Temple Community Hospital closed its doors, citing low revenue and increasing costs of maintaining its aging building
9/25/2014
UAE hospitals don't spend enough on infection control
Experts say that healthcare managers are reluctant to spend spend money on infection control because they don't receive direct revenue from the investment
9/25/2014
Resolute Health's Wellness Campus features green spaces, walking trails and gardens
Healthcare Design website article offers a photo tour of New Braunfels, Texas, facility
9/25/2014
Ongoing training vital to healthcare security programs
Every healthcare facility is different and security officers must receive the appropriate training
9/25/2014
Control valve tamper switches Q&A
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about control valve tamper switches
9/25/2014
Hospitals trimming energy costs with demand response programs
The demand response strategy typically pays users for reducing their demand
9/25/2014
St. Louis senior community renovates inside and out
Bethesda Terrace project created a multi-use living/dining/activity room and beautified the outdoor space, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website
9/25/2014
Healthcare center blamed for man's mushroom poisoning
Family says Cordilleras Mental Health Facility neglected to maintain a safe environment
9/24/2014
Seniors' food preferences and attitudes spark chef's creativity
Long-term living care is moving from institutional meals to fresh, local and organic food offerings, according to an interview on the Long-Term Living website
9/24/2014
Architect talks of 'restorative design'
In TEDMED talk, architect discusses healthcare's move away from harmful built environments, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/24/2014
Rural hospitals closing without ACA money
Four rural Tennessee hospitals have closed and dozens are at risk because of the state's decision not to join the Affordable Care Act
9/24/2014
Retail urgent care retailers increase access
Facilities part of shift in the way healthcare is delivered
9/24/2014
Palm Springs hospital unveils emergency phone system
Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, Calif., unveiled a new satellite system that will back up existing hospital phones
9/24/2014
Preventing Clostridium difficile infections
Updated cleaning guidelines offer tips for fighting infection
9/24/2014
Hospitals find cost-cutting energy efficiencies
Mercy Health secured new electricity, natural gas and demand response contracts for 19 facilities
9/24/2014
Daikin applied debuts Magnitude WMC water-cooled chillers with new RapidRestore capabilities
9/24/2014
New hospital in Ireland has intimate feel
Building is a series of smaller connected blocks, with the buildings nearest to the entrance limited to two and three stories, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/23/2014
Structural engineering decisions more complex in healthcare
Healthcare facilities require a higher 'importance factor' for wind, snow and seismic loading
9/23/2014
Connecticut health facility honored for energy efficiency
Day Kimball Healthcare recognized for renovating its infrastructure
9/23/2014
Nurses demand more ER security personnel
Nurses at Tri-City Medical Center call for a range of reforms
9/23/2014
Color-coded sheets to aid to infection control efforts
New Delhi hospitals to end use of white linens
9/23/2014
Irish hospital removes religious statues for infection control
The removal of two religious statues from wards at Gorey District Hospital tied to health and safety concerns
9/23/2014
Botani-Phase Decontamination Deodorizer from CleanMaster is the botanical based solution for odors
9/23/2014
California apartment complex adds health clinic
Complex joins healthcare system to run a 'wellness corner'
9/22/2014
Faulty CCTV system prevents hospital assault probe
Internal security system at Galway University Hospital problematic despite large investment
9/22/2014
Is design an answer for obesity?
UK group calls on designers to encourage physically active lifestyles with building design, according to a blog on the Healthcare Design website
9/22/2014
Preparedness key to containing outbreaks
The evolution of prevention and protocols in Canadian healthcare industry are keeping pace
9/22/2014
Hospital room design boosts patient recovery times
University Medical Center of Princeton room design changes result in 99 percent patient satisfaction score
9/22/2014
Construction near-constant at Pa. care community
The Masonic Villages are in a constant state of expansion and renovation
9/22/2014
Computerized maintenance management system a facility safety tool
A CMMS can help ensure that all environmental services staff members are trained to the same standards of cleaning
9/22/2014
MaxLite's DLC-qualified Recessed Troffer Retrofit Kits offer seamless switch to LED lighting
9/22/2014
Comprehensive Pharmacy Services launches industry's first mobile hospital pharmacy management app
9/22/2014
California nursing home settles suit over asbestos violations
Wallboard from patient rooms at Salinas facility contained asbestos
9/19/2014
Enhancing indoor air quality in healthcare facilities
Enhancing indoor air quality through better cleaning practices and equipment can improve patients' and employees' health
9/19/2014
Ghana Ridge Hospital design inspired by Kenyan culture
465,560-square-foot facility to have 600 beds and more than 12 surgical suites
9/19/2014
California hospital gets energy efficient outdoor lighting system
NorthBay VacaValley Hospital's system includes dimmable LEDs and motion sensors, including a new type of long-range microwave sensor
9/19/2014
Green restrooms promote efficiency, wellness
Sustainable restroom design offers cost-saving opportunities
9/19/2014
FEMA offers resources for digital disaster prep
Agency app includes access to disaster safety tips, an emergency kit list, emergency meeting location information and a map with open shelters
9/19/2014
Daylight's benefits coming to surgical areas
Facilities are incorporating daylighting into the surgical environment, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/19/2014
Healthcare systems move away from flame retardants in furniture
Advocate Health Care, Beaumont Health System, Hackensack University Medical Center and University Hospitals will stop purchasing furniture treated with flame retardant chemicals
9/18/2014
White paper on sound masking available
Free case study on Healthcare Design website details Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel project
9/18/2014
Louisiana healthcare providers planning multi-million dollar construction projects
Three major Shreveport-area hospital systems are each working on multi-million dollar construction projects to expand and revamp services
9/18/2014
Ambulance staff says hospital ramping could have fatal consequences
Ambulance Employees Association complains of persistent ramping at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia
9/18/2014
Videos push hand hygiene
Videos from CDC, others encourage hand-washing at healthcare facilities
9/18/2014
Kansas City-area memory-care facility plans $7.5M expansion
Project will add new private and couples suites and skilled nursing and rehabilitation services
9/18/2014
Sustaining quality improvement in environmental services
Study showed that immediate performance feedback in addition to monthly face-to-face data reports was the most effective
9/18/2014
Maintaining, improving a plastics recycling program
After a recycling program has been running awhile, it's a good idea to revisit the numbers and replace initial assumptions with actual data to determine the program's financial impact
9/18/2014
J+J Flooring Group releases counterbalance second collection of Kinetex Textile composite flooring
9/18/2014
Tennessee clinic rolls out 'Healthcare on Wheels'
Chattanooga Primary Care's mobile medical facility designed to serve industries and businesses
9/17/2014
Design Showcase honored projects have unique challenges
Projects are unique in their challenges and the design solutions their design teams created to address them, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/17/2014
Managing waterborne infection risks
Hospitalized patients at high risk for infection should avoid exposure to hospital water and use sterile water instead
9/17/2014
Ebola, HAIs boost sales of infection-control software
Infection-control technology moving off the back burner, according to a survey from Black Book
9/17/2014
Flammable liquid storage Q&A
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about the storage of flammable liquids
9/17/2014
Military offers lessons for dealing with mass casualties
Iraq and Afghanistan show five ways hospitals can prepare for attacks, disasters
9/17/2014
Ohio hospital postpones surgeries for cleaning issues
Adena Regional Medical Center postponed surgeries until further notice after the operating room team found staining on surgical towels
9/17/2014
White paper explores interior design for autistic
Free paper on Healthcare Design magazine website discusses design goals and guidelines for creating a soothing and stimulant environment
9/17/2014
Pennsylvania hospital plants organic farm
Five-acre farm provides fresh produce for St. Luke's health system
9/16/2014
Linen loss is an $840 million problem
Nearly 90 percent of all linen used in U.S. hospitals does not reach its useful life
9/16/2014
Post substitute menu choices at long-term facilities
Posting alternatives can boost satisfaction, cut down on confusion at meal times
9/16/2014
Designing for minimum impact on existing hospitals
At Box Hill Hospital, a bridge was created forming an external plant platform allowing the Australian facility to remain fully operational during construction
9/16/2014
Laser Spine Institute plans ambulatory surgery center
New 176,000-square-foot facility in Tampa to include corporate HQ
9/16/2014
Cancer center healing garden offers calming respite
Landscaped outdoor garden space features indigenous plants, a manmade stream and winding paths
9/16/2014
$18.5 million rehab center set in Wisconsin
Campus to include a rehab center, long-term living facility and community center
9/16/2014
Innovations become the new design standard
Access to natural daylight or the use of healing art are no longer unusual, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/16/2014
How to stop viruses from contaminating buildings
Contamination of just a single doorknob or tabletop can result in the spread of viruses throughout healthcare facilities
9/15/2014
UV robots battle HAIs
UV-C light, a part of the UV spectrum, can kill pathogens like C. diff and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus that cause HAIs
9/15/2014
Boston Hospitals going green
Slide show on Boston Business Journal website describes efforts at various facilities
9/15/2014
Kaiser Permanente taps more solar power
System to increase solar capacity with installations in Hawaii and at the Oakland Medical Center in California and Hidden Lake Medical Offices in Colorado
9/15/2014
New study shows reusable textiles' benefit to healthcare facilities
A new, independent study finds reusables offer a lower environmental impact and provide greater sustainable options for healthcare facilities
9/15/2014
Complying with proposed fire safety regulation changes
CMS's proposed adoption of the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code to simplify fire safety compliance
9/15/2014
Mini health clinics bring care to Myanmar
Designer helps create clinics to bring public health services to remote villages, according to a blog on the Healthcare Design website
9/15/2014
Survey names 10 cleanest Chicago hospitals
Facilities chosen from Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey data
9/12/2014
Gloucestershire hospitals to save 500,000 pounds a year with green efforts
Carbon emissions will also be cut by 1,789 tons a year, a reduction of 30 percent
9/12/2014
Maryland hospital builds combined heat and power plant
Energy efficiency project is expected to save Upper Chesapeake Health $9 million over 20 years
9/12/2014
Australian cancer center lauded for daylighting
The Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown, Australia, earned a Healthcare Design Showcase Award of Merit, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/12/2014
Tampa General improves facility with LED lighting and digital controls
LED lighting was chosen for nurses stations, corridors, exam rooms, conference rooms, the lounge and the waiting room
9/12/2014
Benchmarking called critical to energy management
ASHE offers resources for sustainable operations
9/12/2014
AAF International introduces energy-efficient VariCel(r) 2+ Filters with Impress technology
9/12/2014
Photo tour of hospital food around the world
Images on Imgur site illustrates the range of typical hospital meals from 17 cities
9/11/2014
Mobile healthcare facility created in van
Families First Health and Support Center in Portsmouth, N. H. to use the van to bring services to the homeless, low-income individuals and seniors
9/11/2014
Texas hospital gets $500,000 rebate for energy efficiency
University Hospital Sky Tower designed to use 20 percent less energy
9/11/2014
Info offered on scabies management in healthcare facilities
An isolated case of scabies must be managed correctly to prevent the infestation spreading
9/11/2014
Healthcare design awards announced
Awards chronicle the industry's pursuit to define, design and create the ideal healing environment
9/11/2014
Hospital patients benefit from new rooms, healthcare exec says
Princeton HealthCare System CEO says redesigned rooms led to 30 percent reduction in the use of pain medication
9/11/2014
Balancing care with efficiency
Operational analysis and digital modeling help visualize both the design and operational variables
9/11/2014
Rediscovering integrated building systems
Buildings need the flexibility to change and adapt to new needs and conditions
9/11/2014
Rockfon Island's frameless ceiling products deliver acoustical performance, easy installation
9/11/2014
Ebola survivor says supply shortage puts hospital staff at risk
Lack of hazard suits and other supplies called a danger to doctors and nurses safe
9/10/2014
If you see something, say something
'See something, say something' can include abandoned vehicles, unauthorized individuals in restricted areas, strange packages left on site or even unusual odors
9/10/2014
Ontario hospital honored for going greener
Lakeridge Health in Port Perry an Energy Conservation Champion
9/10/2014
Hospital expansion goes with copper piping
Copper tubing is being installed for water service, HVAC and medical gas distribution at Nemours/A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital
9/10/2014
Healthcare design benefits still depend on financial incentives
Thirty years after a seminal study on the healing benefits of healthcare design, a 'room with a view' is still news
9/10/2014
Effective behavior health spaces more complex
Design trends include a focus on creating an environment that reflects situations patients will encounter when they leave the facility
9/10/2014
Are you ready for the new 2012 Life Safety Code?
Date of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' adoption of the new 2012 Life Safety Code is unknown
9/10/2014
Rockfon Island's frameless ceiling products deliver acoustical performance, easy installation
9/10/2014
Patient play helps shape hospital garden project
Children's National Medical Center plans dedicated outdoor rooftop healing garden
9/9/2014
Kentucky hospital expansion balances comfort, safety
Central Baptist Hospital renovation allows facility to provide a wider spectrum of care
9/9/2014
New Jersey hospital investing in urgent care
Lourdes is the latest N.J. hospital to invest in an urgent care center
9/9/2014
More hospitals focusing on sustainability, report shows
Hospitals are trying reduce their environmental footprint, lower costs and improve the health of patients and staff, according to a recent report
9/9/2014
Preventing common health facility accidents
Keeping workers from becoming complacent about safety rules key
9/9/2014
N.H. facilities get federal grants for renovations
Lamprey Health Care facility and Goodwin Community Health to receive $450,000 for improvements
9/9/2014
S.C. hospital's new entrance facade part of $34M renovation
Georgetown Memorial Hospital has new exterior, patient rooms and cardiac catheterization lab
9/9/2014
Magazine names two ES Departments of the Year
MD Anderson Cancer Center, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital honored
9/9/2014
Atrix International announces new safety feature for Omega series fine filtration vacuum line
9/9/2014
Hospital parking changes raise safety concerns
Parking to be banned on streets around facility
9/8/2014
Converting retail spaces to healthcare
Heathcare Design website article describes four successful retail-to-healthcare conversions
9/8/2014
Linen chute door Q&A
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about linen chute doors
9/8/2014
Maintaining a facility's interior
White paper on Long-Term Living's website recommends taking a long-term view when it comes to door and wall protection
9/8/2014
Bethesda hospital plans $230 million expansion
Suburban Hospital getting a 235,000-square-foot addition and a new parking garage
9/8/2014
Behind the scenes of Integrated Project Delivery
To ensure goals are met, it is imperative that teams hold every member accountable to a near-term degree
9/8/2014
Determining sustainability's value
Going green becoming central to many health system's mission
9/8/2014
Bedside tech part of the healing process
Touchscreen technology, on-demand content and user guides are being widely used to support patient care
9/5/2014
LED lighting standards: What is R9 and why does it matter?
When nurses are assessing skin color of residents in assisted living communities, the strength of the R9 value is an important factor because the color red is prevalent for the eye to interpret more pure colors
9/5/2014
Kansas facility plans major re-construction, remodeling
St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center to raze two buildings and remodel office building
9/5/2014
Urgent care centers provide easy access, cost control
Massachusetts health system opening its second site in September and is planning two more in the region
9/5/2014
Indiana University Health turning mansion into clinic
$2.2 million project will turn the Abshire Mansion in Goshen into Maple City Health Care Center's second clinic
9/5/2014
California hospitals prepare for Ebola while stressing low risk
Recommendations for hospitals include private rooms for patients and protective coverings for staff
9/5/2014
Minnesota's Park Nicollet renovates Family Birth Center
Photo tour of 40,000-square-foot facility is posted on Healthcare Design website
9/5/2014
Is your hospital earthquake ready?
California law's goal is not just that hospitals remain structurally sound after an earthquake - they must remain operational
9/4/2014
Colorado hospitals adding $250M in facilities
Banner and UCHealth plan to spend more than a quarter-billion dollars on construction projects in Northern Colorado in the near future
9/4/2014
For a healthcare data center, redundancy is key
Data center downtime can mean lost revenue and the inability to access life-saving information, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/4/2014
HAIs finding new routes of transmission
Hospital computers, cell phones and other new technologies carrying infections
9/4/2014
Key hand-hygiene strategies include easy access to sanitizer
When hand hygiene products are easy to access, compliance with requirements improves
9/4/2014
Window film can balance comfort, energy savings
Film improves building system performance, patient and staff comfort and energy use
9/4/2014
Green thumbs enhancing menu at Thunder Bay hospitals
On-site food production called a simple way to generate revenue and put fresh food in the kitchens
9/4/2014
San Francisco hospital to have seismic safety feature
San Francisco General Hospital will become the first hospital in the city to have a base-isolated foundation
9/3/2014
Healthcare workers go on strike over Ebola safety fears
Healthcare workers at a large state-run hospital in Sierra Leone have gone on strike over pay and hazardous working conditions
9/3/2014
Behavioral healthcare facility design is about patient dignity
One key is finding a balance between staff safety and the need for patients to feel in control of their healing experience, according to an article on the Behavioral Health website.
9/3/2014
Health system adapts to change through consolidation
Capital Health's plan features three capital improvement projects, implemented over seven years
9/3/2014
Long Island High school opens health center
Longwood High School facility offers free access to healthcare
9/3/2014
Planning can limit the impact of severe weather on food costs
The impact of California's drought has been low for most hospitals, where strategies have been implemented to minimize the damage
9/3/2014
Flooring helps distinguish young adult cancer unit
Southampton General Hospital uses floor to create treatment and relaxation spaces
9/3/2014
Ebola guidance for environmental infection control released
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released an interim guidance
9/2/2014
Hospitals cut costs with energy efficiency efforts
Energy efficiency called a largely untapped area for cutting costs
9/2/2014
N.Y. hospital focuses on worker safety
Rome Memorial Hospital initiatives have resulted in a 29 percent reduction in workplace injuries
9/2/2014
Hospital focus shifting to outpatient strategies
Efficiencies and market demand are driving the change
9/2/2014
Fire station to add health facility
California town will incorporate healthcare facility within new fire station
9/2/2014
Violence in hospitals called rare but difficult to stop
South Jersey hospitals have had three incidents of fatal gunfire this year
9/2/2014
Quiet Kit helps raise patient satisfaction scores
Dignity Health hospital distributes kit to all patients throughout its system to give them more control over their environment
9/2/2014