Facility Operations

When Dorian hit, Fla.’s generator requirements were not enforced

Following Hurricane Irma, Florida changed its regulations to require backup generators and enough fuel to maintain comfortable temperatures

9/17/2019

The critical condition of hospital power

Load bank testing for hospital generators is a crucial industry requirement.

9/17/2019

Overcrowding at Irish hospitals leading to co-ed wards

Patients also waiting on gurneys for the next empty bed

9/17/2019

Cladding to be removed at Oxford's Churchill and Children's hospitals

The wrong materials were used at the two healthcare facilities

9/17/2019

Strategies for water conservation

Water audits and leak-detection technology can help managers curtail facility water use

9/17/2019

Bahamas healthcare facilities struggle to deal with decomposing bodies after Dorian

Bahamas’ only functioning public hospital expects the death toll would be 'staggering,' and two refrigerated, 40-foot trucks would be needed

9/16/2019

Houston hospital declares 'internal disaster' after water main breaks

Declaring a systemwide internal disaster helped manage ambulance and patient volume

9/16/2019

Creating a successful healthcare facility management partnership

Misperceptions can hamper a partnership with an FM service provider

9/16/2019

Cancer patient forced to stop chemo early because of rare hospital infection

Three children had contracted infections while being treated for cancer at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

9/16/2019

Electrostatic sprayers can help control infections, save time

Machines allow janitors to sanitize and disinfect high touchpoints every day

9/16/2019

Dog to join Washington hospital security staff

The canine officer was added to help deter violence

9/13/2019

Greener healthcare facilities could mean lower healthcare costs

Healthcare facilities can generate a massive amount of waste and energy use

9/13/2019

Acoustics: The hidden risk for mission critical data centers

Focusing on assessment, specification and implementation allows managers can streamline installation and enhance access control

9/13/2019

Key steps to boosting facility security

Focusing on assessment, specification and implementation allows managers can streamline installation and enhance access control

9/13/2019

Best practices for cleaning, disinfection

Cleaning, disinfecting critical to prevention of hospital-acquired infections

9/13/2019

When computers crashed, one Milwaukee hospital turned away ambulances

At least four patients, including one who was having a life-threatening heart attack, were turned away

9/12/2019

Hospital staffers move babies to safety in 'mini ICU on wheels' ahead of hurricane

Three teams of drivers, respiratory nurses and therapists from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta drove to a pair of hospitals in Savannah

9/12/2019

Long-term care residents moved to safer ground ahead of Dorian

More than 380 people were evacuated from North Carolina long-term care centers

9/12/2019

Cybersecurity is a top safety issue for healthcare facilities

Cybersecurity was listed behind severe weather and active shooter incidents

9/12/2019

Mayo Clinic Health Systems Austin temporarily offers valet parking

Construction at the hospital took away some handicap spots

9/11/2019

Report: Healthcare devices are becoming more vulnerable to cyberattack

Forty percent of the devices medical professional are using are IoT devices

9/11/2019

Four cases of Legionnaires’ confirmed at Illinois retirement facility

Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Batavia is being investigated

9/10/2019

Hospitals are being rebuilt for stronger storms

The resilience of hospitals is especially important for areas that only have one major medical center

9/10/2019

Family sues healthcare center after man dies during Hurricane Harvey

Suit alleges one of its properties was poorly prepared for the storm

9/10/2019

Stopping cold drafts in their tracks

Suit alleges one of its properties were poorly prepared for the storm

9/10/2019

Children's mental health facility designed for connecting with nature

The Reach Out Centre for Kids focuses on the link between natural development and the close relationships children share with the living, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

9/10/2019

Rural hospital staff had to go to Dollar General for supplies

Surgeries were allegedly delayed because of a lack of supplies

9/10/2019

Doctor brings 'Solar Suitcases' to hospitals without reliable power

We Care Solar is a nonprofit that distributes Solar Suitcases

9/9/2019

Ebola outbreak surpasses 3,000 cases

The second-largest, second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in history has exceeded 2,000 deaths

9/9/2019

Dorian forces more than 100 Florida healthcare facilities to evacuate

Facilities moved patients and residents to other facilities and buildings inland

9/9/2019

Maintaining sidewalks and parking garages requires a comprehensive, strategic approach

Hardscape components need a comprehensive program that helps technicians address small problems early

9/9/2019

Cybersecurity responsibility shared by entire healthcare supply chain

Increased use of connected medical devices and software and wireless technology have made health systems more vulnerable

9/9/2019

Space Coast hospitals, nursing homes prepped for Dorian

The emergency management coordinator for Brevard County started daily conference calls with local hospital systems last week

9/6/2019

Former Georgia hospital security director charged with stealing guns, money

Security director at DeKalb Medical accused of stealing more than 90 guns, $20,000

9/6/2019

Hundreds of Florida nursing homes didn’t meet requirements ahead of Dorian

Eldercare facilities remain under scrutiny two years after Hurricane Irma

9/6/2019

FDA says healthcare facilities should use safer scopes

Agency suggests companies make disposable versions

9/6/2019

CDC report: More than 750 C. auris cases in U.S.

The number of confirmed cases hit 725 (with 30 more probable) as of June 30

9/5/2019

Finding security solutions in healthcare spaces

More facilities are transitioning from traditional keys to smart technology

9/5/2019

Woman assaults security officer while trying to abduct child at Pa. hospital

The patient at Lancaster General Hospital took a 4-year-old from her mother

9/5/2019

Shoddy IT infrastructure invites hackers

Hackers are attracted to hospitals with rapid adoption of IT

9/5/2019

Looking to design a new space? Key considerations in AV technology

Audiovisual technology can be used within a building infrastructure to simply manage routine needs

9/4/2019

Florida hospitals install electronic paper patient and room information displays

Hospitals can display information without the glare and blue light of a typical LCD screen

9/4/2019

Securing patients' medical information

Unless your staff is trained and vigilant, all your security precautions might be for nothing

9/4/2019

Blockchain technology holds potential of transforming healthcare sector

Blockchain offers better confidentiality of patient information alongside quick access to required data

9/4/2019

Dogs in Vancouver hospital can sniff out C. diff

The dogs identified C. diff on medical equipment and in linen carts, hospital beds, waiting areas, and staff lockers

9/3/2019

Healthcare industry accounts for 70 percent of occupational violence

Nurses and other healthcare workers are more likely to face workplace violence than police officers and prison guards

9/3/2019

California hospital closes labor and delivery unit because of mold

The hospital discovered the mold July 18 in a nutrition room

9/3/2019

Often overlooked "un-washable” surfaces in healthcare facilities harbor bacteria

The system will generate 2.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean, renewable power per year

9/3/2019

Tips for hiring healthcare cybersecurity pros

Cybersecurity requires people from all backgrounds and majors

9/3/2019

Water coolers banned from Scotland's hospitals due to infection risk

Action has been taken because of the potential for bacteria to grow in the nozzle and the water bottle if not routinely used

8/30/2019

Safety issues at Florida VA hospital linked to patient suicide

Cameras the hospital was required to have on the unit for patient safety reasons hadn't worked in three years

8/30/2019

CHPs a smart solution to combat increasing blackout risks facing healthcare facilities

Many healthcare facilities aren’t properly prepared for what is increasingly becoming a more recurrent threat

8/30/2019

Healthcare workers don't like hand-hygiene monitoring, but it works

Survey responses revealed negative attitudes about the system

8/30/2019

Planning lighting systems in healthcare facilities

With planning, managers can ensures the success of maintenance and upgrades of plumbing systems

8/30/2019

When disaster strikes, FEMA money is available to hospitals that file quickly

Hospitals often don't file for the funds because they're unaware of what can be reimbursed and there is only a 30-day window to apply

8/29/2019

Immediate feedback helps with electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems

Systems with immediate feedback perform slightly better.

8/29/2019

South Bend hospital police named best in the state

The Memorial Hospital police department started five years ago with eight officers and has grown to 15

8/29/2019

New behavioral health unit installs durable lighting with architectural touches

Robust lighting that could withstand high levels of abuse while trying to minimize the institutional look of fixtures was installed

8/29/2019

Balancing security and access in healthcare facilities

Certain challenges are unique to healthcare facilities

8/28/2019

Patient sues Illinois hospital after contracting Legionnaires’

The suit alleges the hospital didn’t take proper precautions following a previous outbreak

8/28/2019

Planning plumbing systems in healthcare facilities

With planning, managers can ensures the success of maintenance and upgrades of plumbing systems

8/28/2019

‘Smart hospitals’ are on the horizon

These buildings perform functions like a medical practitioner

8/27/2019

Hospitals working to meet the challenge of seismic safety

Being able to ride out a major quake and remain operational doesn’t come cheap

8/27/2019

Personalize heat to match the space

Keeping occupants of a facility warm and comfortable is a year-round priority

8/27/2019

Case study: The prescription for EMI New York City

The operating room of a major hospital in New York City is free from the effects of EMI

8/27/2019

The maintenance staff has a role in infection prevention

Facility professionals are constantly moving throughout the facility and may be able to spot potential problems

8/26/2019

Candida auris now one of the world's most feared hospital microbes

New research suggests higher temperatures may have led to an increase in infections

8/26/2019

Mission: Revamp Healthcare 2019 — Top policies this year to reimagine healthcare

One of the greatest challenges in healthcare is keeping up with the changing landscape

8/26/2019

Big data start-ups set to change healthcare

Healthcare is a sector which relies heavily on data and relay of information, so naturally there are lots of companies springing up

8/26/2019

C. difficile strain evolving to live in hospital rooms

A subset of Clostridium difficile bacteria is on the verge of becoming a new species

8/23/2019

Security catches woman trying to kidnap toddler from N.Y. hospital

The suspect allegedly took a stroller with a two-year-old inside and fled St. Joseph’s Hospital

8/23/2019

Rhode Island hospital employees to get panic buttons

Contract with Our Lady of Fatima Hospital addresses concerns around safety

8/23/2019

Maintaining sidewalks and parking garages requires a comprehensive, strategic approach

By developing inspection guidelines for common causes of problems, managers can extend the performance life of concrete components

8/23/2019

Massachusetts hospital deploys security video management software

Massachusetts General Hospital has 1,300 security cameras recording around the clock

8/23/2019

C. diff. is evolving to spread in hospitals

Superbug feeds on the sugar-rich Western diet

8/22/2019

Ebola spreads to third Congo province

South Kivu is located over 430 miles south of where the outbreak first began

8/22/2019

2019 Environmental Services Departments of the Year named

The award recognizes best practices in cleaning and caring for the healthcare environment

8/22/2019

Healthcare facilities must manage emergencies for hours, days after

Healthcare systems should maintain vigilant foresight

8/22/2019

IoT can simplify security efforts

Facilities can connect different security technologies

8/22/2019

Hospital lights track equipment

Smart lighting outfitted with radio chips

8/21/2019

Patient who woke up covered in bugs at Detroit hospital takes legal action

Henry Ford traced the bed bugs back to wet, infested clothing that was placed under the mattress of a gurney

8/21/2019

Planning healthcare facilities for the future

Managers can ensure the success of maintenance and upgrades of HVAC, plumbing and lighting systems

8/21/2019

Boston Children’s Hospital using Alexa to help parents and caregivers

Amazon asked healthcare facilities to test Alexa’s new HIPAA-compliant technology

8/21/2019

Man with assault rifle opens fire at Chicago VA hospital

No injuries were reported

8/20/2019

Massachusetts hospital integrates security camera system

System reviews and monitors more than 1,000 security cameras

8/20/2019

Finding the right technology for your facility

How FMs choose and implement technology has a profound impact on the long-term operations of a building.

8/20/2019

Two cancer patients catch rare bugs linked to hospital water supply

Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University Hospital has sealed off part of the facility

8/19/2019

Healthcare industry major source of harmful emissions

Doctors suggest multi-faceted approach to incorporate environmental sustainability into value assessments in healthcare

8/19/2019

‘Playbook’ preps Rhode Island healthcare facilities for power outages

'Protecting Patients When Disaster Strikes' describes the before-during-after of a power outage

8/19/2019

Hospital cleaning bundle efficient and cost-effective

Method also reduces vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections by 37 percent

8/16/2019

Wyoming Medical Center upgrades security after shooting

A man who opened fire inside of Wyoming Medical Center in March

8/16/2019

First Legionnaires’ death linked to Atlanta outbreak confirmed

Air conditioning units are prime breeding grounds for the bacteria

8/16/2019

Four energy-saving design tips for hot climates

In hot climates, cooling loads are key

8/16/2019

University Health Network: Exhaust fan app boosts savings

DCV control of labs' air supply initially saved approximately $800,000

8/16/2019

Hospitals prep for the worst as mass shootings become more common

Hospitals mandate training for tragedy

8/15/2019

Resources can help reduce Legionella risk

Resources distributed by ASHRAE include Standard 188, which provides a comprehensive approach to help prevent the growth and spread of Legionella within building water systems

8/15/2019

Three trending security technologies

Drones, robots and advanced access control changing facilities management

8/15/2019

Growing hospital energy costs can be managed

Low-hanging fruit includes turning off or reducing power to electronic equipment that is not being used

8/15/2019

Johnson Controls introduces Tyco Cloud for Secure and Simple Security

8/15/2019

Security changes causing concern at Fla. hospital

JFK Medical Center in Atlantis removing medical detectors, police

8/14/2019

Up to half of patient food in Irish hospitals is not eaten

Health officials are working on guidelines to address food waste

8/14/2019

Identifying and addressing DAS requirements in today’s hospital

DAS allows all users of the building, whether it be communicating infrastructure or a personal or business phone, to connect to their carrier of choice at full signal strength

8/14/2019

Glasgow hospital spends more than $500,000 to kill pests after pigeon droppings crisis

Anti-bird spikes and netting have been installed and chemicals were used to kill mold and fungus

8/13/2019

Digital footprints boost safety for newborns

California hospital captures high-resolution images for better identification

8/13/2019

Sixth death in UK Listeria outbreak linked to hospital food

The death has been linked to sandwiches from Good Food Chain products served at St. Richard’s Hospital

8/13/2019

Study: Cigarette smoke boosts MRSA drug-resistance

Smoke also may make MRSA more invasive and persistent

8/13/2019

Telehealth market expected to see a 23.4 percent compound annual growth rate

Growth is driven by increasing health awareness and adoption of online health consultation

8/13/2019

Wash. hospital adds dog to its security force

Tacoma General Hospital security dog expected to prevent assaults, help patients

8/12/2019

Candida Auris called 'new bug using old tricks'

C. auris acts more like a multidrug-resistant, healthcare-associated bacteria than like a typical yeast

8/12/2019

What do you know about hospital security?

Campus Safety Magazine offers a quiz on their website

8/12/2019

N.J. called hot spot for Candida auris

The CDC says most cases of Candida auris in the United States are in New York City, Chicago and New Jersey

8/12/2019

Non-regulated healthcare facilities taking resilience seriously

Technologies can help can cut costs and improve energy efficiency

8/12/2019

Hospital mobilizes to fight deadly Candida auris

Widespread overuse of antibiotics and antifungals has bred superbug species

8/9/2019

Study finds educating cleaning staff lowers C. diff infections

Study suggests focusing on knowledge gaps, challenges and barriers

8/9/2019

Boston hospital roof farm sprouts other initiatives

Boston Medical Center began operating a 2,658-square-foot farm on a roof terrace in 2017

8/9/2019

Tips to keep long-term care facilities safe

Younger people with serious mental illness getting treatment in senior living and care settings is contributing to an increase in violence

8/9/2019

Death from infection linked to pigeon feces at Glasgow hospital could lead to criminal proceedings

A boy was battling cancer at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow in December 2018 when he contracted Cryptococcus and died

8/8/2019

Hospitals use technology, training to support seismic readiness

Healthcare facilities are diversifying their communication tools, outfitting buildings with technology and running preparedness scenarios

8/8/2019

Key to improving EVS results can be found in the C-Suite

Creating an infection-free facility begins at the top with a commitment from management

8/8/2019

Glasgow hospital fire evacuation protocols called 'chaotic and confusing'

Staff member says patients and staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital could be at risk

8/8/2019

Load testing of electronic health records - what to look for

Load testing is an essential component in performance testing, and doing so in a production-like environment brings its benefits.

8/8/2019

Load testing of electronic health records - what to look for

Load testing is an essential component in performance testing, and doing so in a production-like environment brings its benefits.

8/8/2019

N.C. hospital goes on lockdown after patient says they opened envelope with white, powdery substance

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital lifted lockdown after testing substance

8/7/2019

Two cases of Legionnaires’ confirmed at Connecticut nursing facility

Apple Rehab is working to find the source of the bacteria and have taken precautions, including chlorine treatments for the water system.

8/7/2019

Healthcare facilities need preparation to avoid a cyberattack

A strong, flexible game plan is crucial

8/7/2019

Roof rat concerns force closure of Washington hospital's kitchen, cafeteria

Patients’ food was being prepared and brought in from another hospital

8/6/2019

Specifying sinks for sterile compounding (HD) environments doesn’t have to be a hazardous decision

Hospitals will pay it for this service, which it expects will be much faster and eventually cheaper than current couriers

8/6/2019

Be measles ready: Tips on how to be prepared for the next outbreak

There are a number of factors that make measles a particularly difficult virus to protect patients, staff and visitors from contracting

8/6/2019

Washington hospital works to improve safety after patient's death

The patient ran from the facility after tampering with a fire alarm

8/6/2019

UPS to use drones for hospital deliveries

Hospitals will pay it for this service, which it expects will be much faster and eventually cheaper than current couriers

8/6/2019

Candida auris is raising questions about its origin

The fungus doesn’t behave like a fungus

8/5/2019

Hospital-acquired C. diff comes with a financial price tag

The average healthcare cost for patients with the C. diff infection was $43,718

8/5/2019

High levels of air pollution found at London hospital causes concern

Pollution may be coming from generators and boilers at St Bartholomew’s Hospital

8/5/2019

Study focuses on where disease-causing pathogens might be hiding in a longterm care facility

Researchers examined the possibility that electric hand dryers installed in public restrooms could spread disease

8/5/2019

Hundreds of Tampa Bay area nursing homes, assisted living facilities still without backup power

A Florida law fines facilities as much as $1,000 per day for failure to install permanent generators, but records show these facilities rarely paid fines

8/2/2019

Two cases of Legionnaires’ reported at Illinois hospital

It was unknown if the infected patients were exposed at the hospital

8/2/2019

Safeguarding healthcare facilities from legionella

Having control measures and procedures in place is the first step in mitigating Legionella risk

8/2/2019

158 employees at Seattle hospital potentially exposed to dangerous bacteria

The exposure occurred in an operating room and a laboratory in late June

8/2/2019

Healthcare facilities in Portugal test 'panic buttons' for staff

The devices send a rapid message indicating danger

8/2/2019

Superbugs can remain on surgical gowns after disinfection

Researchers tested single-use polypropylene surgical gowns infected with three strains of C. diff

8/1/2019

Planning for longterm energy efficiency

A multi-year energy planning process allows for a wide range of 'what-if' scenarios

8/1/2019

Regular inspections, testing helps keep sprinklers working properly

The reliability and effectiveness with which sprinklers operate cuts both the human and financial costs of fires

8/1/2019

Ransomware can put healthcare providers — and patients — in critical condition

Ransomware attacks have been numerous in hospitals and other health facilities recently, and the consequences can be dire

8/1/2019

Bats in Iowa hospital buildings lead to patient safety alert

The hospital receives about 10 reports of bats in its facilities a year, typically in non-patient care areas

7/31/2019

N.C. hospital security now scanning visitor photo IDs

The technology will create a personalized badge with a visitor's photo and patient room number

7/31/2019

A text message to save more than 13 million lives

Patient engagement through text messages has emerged as one of the biggest avenues for optimizing care quality

7/31/2019

W. Va. hospital opened cooling station to beat the heat

The cooling center was free for the community

7/31/2019

Candida auris may have been spurred by global warming

The fungus sprung up simultaneously on three continents

7/30/2019

Double cable failure causes Mass. hospital power outage

Mount Auburn Hospital had system in place to prevent outage

7/30/2019

Solar panels proposed near Calif. hospital

Four acres of ground-based panels would be located on the west and north sides of the hospital

7/30/2019

Door selection can impact infection control

Touchless doors can help stop the spread of germs and bacteria

7/30/2019

Healthcare food-service veteran discusses amenity-centered care and retail food service

Food-service trends are being shaped by amenity-centered care like those offered in hotels

7/30/2019

How do Southern Calif. hospitals rate for earthquake safety?

Currently one third of hospitals in the area are rated as at risk of collapse

7/29/2019

Man pulls gun on Winnipeg hospital security guards

The man was part of a violent disturbance in the Children’s Hospital at the Health Sciences Centre

7/29/2019

Report finds VA concealed Legionella at facility

Inspectors also found the facility’s staff routinely failed to conduct routine cleaning

7/29/2019

Technology that detects falls helps shown to reduce ED services

Reviewing videos helps caregivers determine causes of falls

7/29/2019

AI-driven software automation brings sweeping change to healthcare industry

The future holds even more dynamic changes for automating tedious processes, streamlining redundant tasks and speeding well-informed decision-making

7/29/2019

While healthcare facility shootings are still rare, assaults are not

Shootings like the recent one in a Baltimore drug treatment center draw attention to violent incidents

7/26/2019

Second Va. senior facility reports respiratory illness outbreak

The county health department says there doesn’t appear to be a link between the outbreaks

7/26/2019

Hospital overcrowding leaves patients boarding in ERs

National provider shortage, rise of antibiotic-resistant infections making things worse

7/26/2019

IoT – The prescription to keeping workers and patients safe on hospital construction jobsites

When workers are equipped with IoT-based wearable sensors, managers can see in real time the workers present for every trade

7/26/2019

10 steps to workplace violence reduction

It takes more than a policy, class or lecture

7/26/2019

Appliance seller has lessons for hospitals about patient experience

Hospitals are trying a number of initiatives to improve their patients’ satisfaction

7/25/2019

Manhattan hospital relies on emergency system during blackout

Mount Sinai West was among the hospitals that went to backup generator

7/25/2019

Integration of Internet of Things and RAIN RFID in hospital asset management systems boosts efficiency

The implementation of RAIN RFID in hospital asset systems helps to keep track of tagged items, store information

7/25/2019

Cybersecurity is a top safety issue for healthcare facilities

Cybersecurity was listed behind severe weather and active shooter incidents

7/25/2019

WHO declares Ebola a global emergency

The declaration is meant to encourage international aid

7/24/2019

Hospital cutting food waste and cost

Providence Health trimming unnecessary food expenditures

7/24/2019

Operating room material choices must address infection control needs

Materials and finishes in the OR—particularly walls and flooring—are an important part of creating a safe environment, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

7/24/2019