Facility Operations

Seattle Children's is facing violations after mold investigation

Cited deficiencies include the failure to properly maintain air filtering systems that fed to operating rooms

7/15/2019

Oregon program addresses healthcare workplace violence

Healthcare association creates customizable toolkit

7/15/2019

California hospital evacuated after earthquake

Ridgecrest healthcare facility sustained structural damage

7/15/2019

Environmental monitoring can reduce healthcare-associated infections

Patients in healthcare facilities are often particularly vulnerable to infections due to weakened immune systems and the presence of invasive medical devices such as needles and catheters

7/15/2019

Artificial intelligence is reshaping facilities management

AI is already reshaping both how buildings are designed and operated

7/15/2019

Survey suggests security cameras do make campuses safer

The majority of hospital, K-12 and higher ed campuses have security cameras

7/15/2019

Mich. nursing facilities seeing more VRE, less MRSA

Since 2003, rates of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus almost tripled

7/12/2019

Canadian hospitals adding secure safe rooms

Patients in crisis could wait up to 72 hours for transfer to other facilities

7/12/2019

Vermont hospital, community college partner on EVS training

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital works with local college on train-to-hire program

7/12/2019

Medically tailored meals may be saving lives

Organization serves people with a broad cross section of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and kidney disease

7/12/2019

Smart hospitals market experiencing high demand for hospital-based software

The market is likely to gain from increasing incidence of chronic diseases and further rising demand for hospitals

7/12/2019

Rise in dementia leads to new food service options

Program addresses residents' potential malnutrition issues

7/12/2019

Seattle Children's hospital reopened 14 operating rooms closed after mold found

1 killed, 5 infected by mold at the hospital in last two years

7/11/2019

Candida auris is a growing problem

It may remain even after surfaces are disinfected

7/11/2019

Hospitals in Vermont and New Hampshire struggle for clean linens after plant closing

Some hospitals are now getting linens from as far away as New York and Canada

7/11/2019

mHealth market will register 38.0% CAGR Growth to cross $289.4 billion by 2025

Growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiac diseases will drive mHealth market growth in the coming years

7/11/2019

What healthcare must understand about cybersecurity

Healthcare organizations continue to be the subject of attacks by hackers seeking access to patient data for resale on the black market

7/11/2019

UPMC Children's MRSA cases mostly in the NICU

The hospital tested all NICU patients, and six tested positive

7/10/2019

Increasing sustainability of healthcare facility distributed energy systems

As healthcare companies seek to improve their sustainability and to protect their power systems against risk, they are beginning to incorporate renewable energy into their distributed energy power systems

7/10/2019

How to maintain security devices

Diligence is key to protecting equipment from damage and loss

7/10/2019

Seattle Children’s closes all main operating rooms because of mold

Aspergillus mold was found in several operating and equipment storage rooms

7/9/2019

Norovirus may be transmitted through the air

Outbreaks of norovirus are especially difficult to control in hospital settings

7/9/2019

Designing a safer exam room

Balancing patient experience with efficiency is one way to keep safety at the forefront, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

7/9/2019

Automated doors can provide both access and security to healthcare facilities

Different types of entrances present their own challenges

7/9/2019

Confusion during lockdown of N.C. hospital blamed on ‘unclear policies and protocols’

Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro plans revisions to policies

7/8/2019

Why are there so many security breaches in healthcare?

Cybercriminals steal billions of dollars every year

7/8/2019

UV light fights germs on mobile devices

Ultraviolet rays kill nearly 100% of bacteria found on mobile devices in healthcare settings

7/8/2019

Illinois investigating 4 cases of Legionnaires’ at Christ Medical Center

Legionnaires’ found in three patients and a staff member at healthcare facility in Oak Lawn

7/8/2019

Woman who gave birth in Japan photographs hospital meals

Meals look more than restaurant-worthy

7/8/2019

Study finds C. Auris spreads through skin shedding

The findings highlight need for hygiene and disinfection

7/5/2019

12 die from rare bacterial infection in Essex

The outbreak of invasive Group A streptococcus has been linked to care for chronic wounds

7/5/2019

Oregon State Hospital staff injuries rose in 2018

Facility is strained to admit new patients

7/5/2019

Tips for medical device cybersecurity

Device cybersecurity called the biggest challenge hospitals face today

7/5/2019

Concealed carry: Laws and permit numbers by state

Campus Safety website offers a breakdown of common terminology, laws, requirements and permits issued by state

7/3/2019

Embracing the IoT-equipped restroom

The future of smart restrooms has arrived

7/3/2019

Making the right door choices for security

Doors, locks, and other door hardware must be chosen carefully

7/3/2019

Women exposed to antibacterial chemical more likely to break a bone

A person can be exposed to triclosan via consumer products and contaminated water

7/3/2019

Food service becoming main course at senior facilities

As Americans age, senior living continues to evolve into big business

7/3/2019

Ebola transmission model predicted recent Uganda cases

The researchers say the model should be used as a risk assessment tool to prepare and distribute resources

7/2/2019

Verbal hand-hygiene reminders In hospitals may curb infections

Voice-based electronic monitoring systems showed a 61.4 percent decrease in HAIs

7/2/2019

Environmental service department leaders urged to embrace change

Change and innovation are at the forefront in healthcare

7/2/2019

HHS releases healthcare cybersecurity best practices

Guidance includes 10 best practices for mitigating hacking threats

7/2/2019

Dry hydrogen peroxide: A novel delivery of an effective microbial reduction agent for environmental cleaning

Dry hydrogen peroxide, a non-aqueous gas, has been used for environmental disinfection in fields such as agriculture, biodefense/government, and sports

7/1/2019

Growing threat from HAIs drive cleaning demand

Candida auris has put the spotlight back on daily cleaning

7/1/2019

Getting started with energy management for hospitals

Most healthcare organizations treat their utility budgets as fixed costs, pay the bills and move on. With this approach, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in savings are left on the table.

7/1/2019

Ebola death toll in Congo surpasses 1,500

A total of 2,239 Ebola cases were reported since the outbreak began

6/28/2019

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

6/28/2019

Power over Ethernet (PoE) synchronized wall clocks: A timely choice in new construction and renovation healthcare projects

For facilities rich in Ethernet infrastructure, achieving a perfectly synchronized clock system could not get any easier than simply plugging in a CAT5/6 cable.

6/28/2019

NHS hospital cleaners will also be feeding patients

NHS staff will switch from one task to another while wearing the same clothes

6/28/2019

How to handle a major HVAC upgrade

Following plan can help ensure upgrade isn't disruptive to regular operations

6/28/2019

Ebola efforts in Congo running short of money

Some fear situation will turn into a regional catastrophe

6/27/2019

Florida hospital system adds metal detectors, visitor badges

BayCare Health has increased security measures at most of its facilities

6/27/2019

How to validate a cleanroom cleaning regime

How you validate is just as important as how you clean

6/27/2019

Threats to kill, rape, 'hunt down' common in Western Australia emergency rooms

Extreme threats, violence lead to a Violence Summit with Health Minister

6/27/2019

Unsanitary conditions at Calif VA Center linked to rise in infections

Office of Inspector General report faults lack of environmental servicestraining

6/27/2019

Infrared imaging comes of age

Technology and application advances put more power in the hands of managers and technicians

6/27/2019

U.S. Candida auris cases near 700

The case count jumped by 71 in the span of one month

6/26/2019

Key steps to a smart building

Internet of things devices are intended to serve as components that can be linked together to form a truly smart building

6/26/2019

Report says hospital calls about ‘unwanted’ people leads to criminalizing mental illness

More than 100 people arrested for trespassing at five Portland hospitals and the metro area’s psychiatric emergency department from the summer of 2017 through the summer of 2018

6/26/2019

Finding the next generation of cleaning managers

How do you know if people in your organization with leadership potential are developing?

6/26/2019

Dealing with the problem of dirty sinks

How clean can your washed hands really be if the sink is contaminated?

6/25/2019

Ohio hospital links hot water system to Legionnaires' outbreak

Testing showed significant legionella bacteria in the hot water system

6/25/2019

Australian hospital may be vulnerable in disaster

Outdated policies and unclear roles cited

6/25/2019

Heroes of Infection Prevention Award winners announced

Award honors infection preventionists who have helped to reduce infection, raise awareness, and improve the health and well-being of patients, healthcare workers, and the public

6/25/2019

Guards at Chinese psychiatric hospital fired after escape of four patients

Group got through main exit by posing as visitors taking their relatives out for a break

6/25/2019

Eight NHS hospitals hit by listeria outbreaks

Healthcare facility catering may be brought in-house

6/24/2019

Santa Rosa hospital solar project can power more than 200 homes a year

The 4,627 solar modules covering approximately 565 parking spaces will support 40 percent of the main hospital’s electricity

6/24/2019

Arizona moves to revoke license after maggots found on Hacienda HealthCare resident

Hacienda is the same facility where an incapacitated female resident last year was raped and later gave birth to a baby

6/24/2019

The effective date for USP <800> implementation is Dec. 1, 2019

How to prepare your facility and protect your employees and patients

6/24/2019

Healthcare facility environmental services managers share top concerns

Role of the environmental services department in patient care often underestimated

6/24/2019

Hospital faucets can harbor slime and biofilm

Water splashing out of a sink can spread contaminants

6/21/2019

Ohio hospital didn’t disinfect water lines linked to Legionnaires’

Officials said they think the bacteria are linked to inadequate disinfection prior to the facility’s opening

6/21/2019

Hospitals constantly look for ways to cut energy use

U.S. hospitals spend about $8.3 billion a year on energy

6/21/2019

Tech can help healthcare facilities guard against disaster

Keeping health IT systems up and running is critical

6/21/2019

Flint hospital ordered to reduce Legionnaires' risks

Hospital says the order is part of an effort to shift blame

6/21/2019

Robocalls can disrupt hospital communication systems

A study found that EMS practiced hand hygiene before patient contact in just 7% of assessments

6/21/2019

WHO repeats: Ebola outbreak not yet a global emergency.

It’s the third time agency has decided against emergency designation

6/20/2019

How to mitigate the spread of pathogens in sterile medical areas

Pathogens are most likely to proliferate in areas where moisture can accumulate and in any type of indentation, nook, cranny, divot, crack and puncture

6/20/2019

Smart toilets can help identify health problems

One toilet seat contains devices that measure blood oxygenation levels, heart rate, and blood pressure

6/20/2019

Infection control efforts start with EMS personnel

A study found that EMS practiced hand hygiene before patient contact in just 7 percent of assessments

6/20/2019

Ohio tornadoes lead to record patient volumes at ERs

Both of the major hospital networks set up command centers

6/19/2019

Patient care’s next frontier: The Internet of Things

IoT devices allow users, like healthcare facility managers, to collect critical data, analyze said data and then react to it based on real-time information

6/19/2019

Prefabrication is changing healthcare construction and design

Prefabrication improves efficiency because it helps accelerate schedules and wastes less material

6/19/2019

Ebola cases reported in Uganda

Cases are first outside outbreak in Congo

6/18/2019

Pennsylvania hospital gives up stun guns after wrongly using one on patient

Taser used to subdue a patient who was on suicide watch and became threatening and aggressive

6/18/2019

The future of telehealth and what it means for facilities management

Telehealth is putting a 21st century spin on the old-fashioned house call

6/18/2019

Are your vendors putting the PHI of your patients at risk?

Outsourcing can be a cost-effective move, but failure to properly assess and manage risks related to protected health information (PHI) can create legal and reputational issues for the organization

6/18/2019

Twice-daily disinfection recommended for healthcare facility tablets

Tablets are often colonized with important human pathogens

6/17/2019

VA healthcare facilities to go smoke-free

The ban extends to patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors

6/17/2019

Nurse attacked with stun gun at S.C. hospital

Weapon was taken from security guard

6/17/2019

Large bee hive removed from Florida hospital parking lot

Beekeeper estimates around 8,000 bees were removed

6/17/2019

Problems with water pump postpones surgeries at Mayo University Hospital

The water pump in the sterilization facility

6/17/2019

Healthcare data interoperability market to reach $3 billion by 2025

Increasing technological advancements in healthcare data interoperability software will positively influence industry growth in coming years

6/17/2019

WHO: Containing Congo Ebola outbreak may take two years

Of the 1,931 confirmed Ebola patients, 1,357 have died

6/14/2019

Key aspects to updating your security infrastructure

Start by discussing plans for growth and development

6/14/2019

Healthcare facilities must adapt to changing cybersecurity threats

Patients’ role in cybersecurity expected to grow

6/14/2019

Whiteboards could help cut C-section rates

Communication may be the key

6/14/2019

Avoiding the hidden costs of environmental services staff injuries

Environmental services work-related injuries usually involve either exposure to harmful contaminants or musculoskeletal disorders

6/14/2019

N.J. seeks new infection protections for healthcare facilities

Viral outbreak at a Wanaque pediatric facility contributed to 11 deaths and some three dozen illnesses

6/13/2019

Three UK hospital patients dead from listeria linked to pre-packaged sandwiches

Health agencies and local authorities are investigating the source of the infection

6/13/2019

Improving EVS management and technology can improve workflow

Productivity can suffer if staff are not identifying solutions on how to accomplish their tasks

6/13/2019

Man hires attorney after contracting lice from gurney at Detroit hospital

Hospital employees discovered that someone had stuffed wet clothes covered in bugs - possibly lice - under the gurney he was given as a mattress

6/13/2019

Vanderbilt University upgrades HVAC systems

Through Vanderbilt University’s HVAC system upgrades, officials offer strategies and tactics for delivering success

6/13/2019

Canadian nurses union wants more security guards in hospitals

There have been more than 2,000 incidents last year

6/12/2019

Mayo Clinic food service co-worker stabs co-worker in cafeteria

The employee cafeteria closed during investigation

6/12/2019

Preparing healthcare facilities for a disaster

Hospitals must maintain continuity of patient care

6/12/2019

Protecting patients' sleep in healthcare facilities

Some physicians have suggested giving patients ear plugs and an eye mask

6/11/2019

CVS will expand in-store healthcare services

The retailer will launch a fleet of 1,500 HealthHUBs by the end of 2021

6/11/2019

Bright future seen for Millennials leading healthcare facilities

When presented with a system that improves productivity while reducing waste, Millennials will embrace it more times than not

6/11/2019

NY healthcare facilities may serve vegan alternatives

Bill would require hospitals and nursing homes to offer vegan options at every meal and snack to patients who request them

6/11/2019

USP <800> and how it can affect your facility

It will be the first standard to not only change the handling of pharmaceuticals for human medical facilities, but animal hospitals as well

6/11/2019

Ebola outbreak reaches 2,000 cases

The number of confirmed cases reached 2,000 three times as quickly as it took to reach 1,000

6/10/2019

Three more Legionnaires’ cases reported at Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital

One person who contracted Legionnaires’ has died

6/10/2019

Energy Star changes for 2019

There are several updates to the Energy Star scoring and certification system

6/10/2019

Areas outside nursing home resident rooms key to infection control

Residents have frequent contact with staff and the environment outside of their rooms

6/7/2019

Technology is evolving in healthcare facilities

New demands, practices, and yes, technology, are reshaping healthcare facilities

6/7/2019

Fresh Food Farmacy receives Healthy Living Award

The Fresh Food Farmacy provides fresh, healthy food to patients

6/7/2019

Germicidal technologies can reduce hospital airborne pathogens

UV-C energy can fortify hospital defenses against infectious diseases by reducing their concentrations without increasing their resistance to medicines

6/7/2019

New Ohio healthcare facility reports patient death in Legionnaires’ outbreak

The first patient was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ the day after the hospital opened

6/6/2019

What you need to know about new standards for hazardous waste pharmaceuticals

The final rule goes into effect Aug. 21, 2019

6/6/2019

Hospital salaries: From environmental services to the CEO

There are 73,250 janitors and cleaners employed in hospitals

6/6/2019

Doctors sick of fast food restaurants inside healthcare facilities

McDonald’s restaurant inside its major Macon, Ga., hospital is closing after a complaint by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

6/6/2019

Healthcare facilities dealing with record flooding in Midwest

More than a dozen states hit with severe weather

6/5/2019

New paint and coating technology has long-term benefits

Meeting facility sustainability needs means staying abreast of changes in products and applications

6/5/2019

Man hurt in shooting on Arkansas children’s hospital campus

Authorities call shooting at Arkansas Children’s Hospital a random incident

6/5/2019

A greener environmental services department can have a wide impact

Green practices can increase environmental sustainability and improve patient care

6/5/2019

Michigan investigates Legionnaires' at four hospitals

Patient at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor confirmed with Legionnaires' disease

6/4/2019

Cancer patient's room infested with bed bugs at Detroit Hospital

Hospital said the bugs were from someone's infested clothing left behind

6/4/2019

Outsourcing EVS for rural hospitals

Cost, staffing, process integration, compliance, reporting… all were concerns as they explored outsourcing options

6/4/2019

Environmental disinfection tips for Candida auris infection prevention and control

Preventing C. auris transmission requires diligent adherence to infection control recommendations, including placing patients colonized or infected with C. auris in single rooms on Standard and Contact Precautions

6/4/2019

NYU student goes from janitor to nursing school grad

Baez's goal is to become a critical care nurse in the intensive care unit

6/4/2019

Study finds solutions for limiting exposure to Candida auris

Procedures used in an animal facility can potentially be applied to healthcare facilities

6/3/2019

Internet of Medical Things transforming healthcare

A strong network needs proper prevention and detection measures for security threats

6/3/2019

Understand what radar cannot see, and make better decisions

Cutting-edge radars reinforce trust — if you understand the basic mechanics of the tool

6/3/2019

Environmental services' morale sometimes suffers on the job

Lifting staff morale goes a long way toward improving productivity

6/3/2019

Nursing homes particularly vulnerable to hurricanes

Many nursing homes are located in southeastern or Gulf Coast states

6/3/2019

W.Va. VA healthcare facility makes healthy, tasty food a priority

More than 80% of the the VA Medical Center menu items are made from scratch

5/31/2019

Upgrading plumbing systems can improve efficiency

Effectively diagnosing plumbing problems and performing successful upgrades can help minimize utility costs

5/31/2019

Telemedicine company launched to focus on infectious disease

Infectious Disease Connect will seek to reduce transfers and allow the treatment of patients with infectious diseases in their own communities

5/31/2019

W.Va. healthcare facility installs model train

The 980-square-foot display includes 220 feet of track, three trains on three levels, homes, buildings and other structures

5/31/2019

Sanitizer uses ultraviolet rays to kill viruses on mobile devices

Studies have found that 94 percent of cell phones used by hospital staff carry contaminants

5/31/2019

Study: Hand-hygiene signs not working in healthcare facilities

Researchers placed placards near soap and alcohol-based hand-rub dispensers in two hospital units

5/31/2019

Seattle Children's Hospital operating rooms shut down because of fungus

Air tests detected Aspergillus in several operating rooms and equipment storage rooms

5/30/2019

Top 10 HIPAA violations

How to avoid the most common issues

5/30/2019

Escalating workplace violence hits hospitals hard

Many healthcare facilities are increasing security measures to deal with the issue

5/30/2019

Ohio hospital honored for environmental practices

Health system has developed initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve management of electricity and gas usage and increase recycling of hazardous waste

5/30/2019

Report: Healthcare devices are becoming more vulnerable to cyberattack

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

5/30/2019

Healthcare facilities changing how they fight superbugs

Drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus, Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium difficile have been overcoming antibiotics

5/29/2019

Hospital cybersecurity lagging due to talent gap

Half of organizations lack the security talent needed to remain secure

5/29/2019

Free tool helps develop facility risk assessments

FGI guidelines can help identify hazards

5/29/2019

New factor that can influence spread of legionella found

Legionella can proliferate less efficiently in amoebae if they contain endosymbionts

5/29/2019

Canadian hospitals hope to cure their lackluster food

Initiative also aims to elevate the role of food as an important part of healing

5/28/2019

The benefits of patient entertainment systems

Modern patient entertainment systems are a great way of putting patients first

5/28/2019

Enhancing operational efficiency, staff satisfaction and patient care with false alarm reduction

A healthcare facility's mission is easily deterred when safety and security systems aren’t performing at an efficient rate, specifically with alarm systems

5/28/2019

Supersized food can mean undersized profits for healthcare facilities

When it comes to offering healthier food options in their cafeterias and gift shops, most U.S. hospitals may be 'penny wise and pound foolish'

5/28/2019

C diff. transmitted through non-critical items

Report says proper disinfection of tools is crucial

5/28/2019

Agencies investigating Legionnaires' case at McLaren Flint

Hospital officials acknowledging that a patient may have acquired the disease at the facility

5/24/2019

Study: Outside temperature impacts pathogens in climate-controlled ICUs

The outside temperature can influence the indoor temperature

5/24/2019

Security hired for Manitoba healthcare facilities after city bills for police time

Province announces two guards will be on staff at all times

5/24/2019

When to consolidate clinical testing (core) laboratories.

Increasingly, customers of clinical testing labs want a one-stop shop, particularly as large healthcare systems acquire smaller, more specialized independent practices

5/24/2019

Vancouver VA offers veterans freshly prepared meals

All cooking is done on site, on the same day

5/24/2019

Report says Florida needs to do more to fight disease, other threats

The state lags the national average in healthcare delivery

5/23/2019

U.S. disaster preparedness is slowing

Regional inequities in preparedness persist

5/23/2019

Clean water restored to Minn. hospital after power outage

A power outage released too much lime into the city’s water supply

5/23/2019

Calif. hospital looking at options after seismic retrofit funding denied

Hospital leaders have started a public relations campaign reaching out to a diverse group of community members

5/23/2019

An emergency declaration over Ebola could make things worse

The Ebola outbreak in the Congo is challenging the world's capacity to respond

5/22/2019

DC VA patient escaped psychiatric unit, charged with assault

The U.S. House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation

5/22/2019

Understanding high-efficiency rooftop air conditioning units

Companies nationwide could save roughly $1 billion annually in energy costs by replacing 10- to 20-ton RTUs with units that meet the high performance RTU specification

5/22/2019

One third of hospitals earn 'A' in Leapfrog's spring ratings

Of the more than 2,600 hospitals graded, 32 percent earned an "A"

5/22/2019

Heathcare facility floors getting more attention in infection control efforts

Disposable mops may cut down on contamination

5/22/2019

WHO worried about risk of Ebola spread

The death total in the outbreak is 1,105 and response teams are still investigating 310 suspected Ebola cases

5/21/2019

S.C. ER evacuated after man tears sprinkler head from ceiling

The patient also allegedly assaulted a hospital security member who tried to restrain him

5/21/2019

Environmentally friendly practices can impact landscaping

Focusing on equipment performance, water efficiency and chemicals good for operations, environment

5/21/2019

Your healthcare facility retrofit checklist

How do you begin to coordinate and come up with funds to replace lighting systems across thousands of square feet?

5/21/2019

Officials at Chinese hospital fired over poor infection control after five baby deaths

The babies died after contracting an infection caused by Echovirus 11, a type of intestinal virus

5/20/2019

Healthcare facilities balance infection control with green cleaning efforts

There are good sustainable alternatives out there if healthcare professionals are 'willing to open their eyes and take a look'

5/20/2019

Technology can boost hand-hygiene compliance by 45%

The study, originally featured in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) stated that hand hygiene compliance rates provided by the traditional direct observation method did not accurately reflect baseline rates.

5/20/2019