Groundskeeping - March 2014

Memory facility cited for hiring sex offender as environmental services coordinator

Investigators with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services found several violations at Lake Hallie Memory Care, including the hiring of a convicted sex offender in environmental services

3/31/2014

Healthcare spaces for IT systems integration have specific design challenges

Healthcare Design magazine article says every project on design boards today will require plenty of thought for information technology (IT) and integration of all the systems

3/31/2014

Clinic employees may have been exposed to mold

Employees and patients at the Bronx Montefiore Family Health Center may have suffered respiratory illnesses due to mold

3/28/2014

Testing fire equipment for notification of off-site fire responders

Proper testing and documentation of the transmission signals to off-premises responders is one of the requirements that is often misunderstood

3/28/2014

Tips for supply chain efficiency

The supply chain represents about 25 percent of a healthcare facility's operating budget, so supply chain optimization is an imperative

3/28/2014

New regulations target flame-retardant chemicals

Environments for Aging article discusses California legislation aimed at reducing the use of flame retardant chemicals in furniture, other products

3/28/2014

Facilities collaborate to fight C. diff

Healthcare facilities in Washington counties form task force to prevent infections

3/28/2014

L.A. inspectors told to stop nursing home investigations

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health told inspectors to stop investigating complaints at nursing homes in order to reduce the backlog of claims

3/28/2014

Infection prevention failure blamed in deaths of two babies

The spread of E.coli in a neonatal ward in Swansea, Wales, where two babies died was tied to inadequate handwashing and the need to increase spacing between cots

3/27/2014

Preventing healthcare data security breaches

Risk assessments and basic IT and social media policies can help protect healthcare organizations

3/27/2014

Streamlining life safety system inspections

Electronic inspection reporting can simplify the data collection, documentation and retrieval process

3/27/2014

Infection control by design

Material choices can have significant effect on the safety of healthcare facilities

3/27/2014

Ignited bread in morgue latest fire at UK hospital

Wishaw General Hospital safety report includes range of fire incidents

3/26/2014

Designing a 'smart' hospital

Healthcare Design article says healthcare providers must improve the patient experience inside their facilities and out through a focus on connectivity, communication and access to information

3/26/2014

Do you have a 'fatburg' in your pipe?

A disposal bag disposal system can save plumbing, reduce the added and unnecessary expense of damage, reduce unsightly waste, reduce offensive odor and protect people from cross contamination

3/26/2014

New York hospital holds active shooter drill

Nyack Hospital's emergency drill is designed to prepare for an armed intruder scenario at the hospital

3/26/2014

Prison medical facility gives inmates roles in environmental services, other areas

Gold Coat program gives inmates purpose, helps keep embattled California facility running

3/26/2014

Lawmaker opposes more nursing home construction in Indiana

State lawmaker says failure of construction moratorium could hurt existing nursing homes

3/26/2014

Massachusetts nursing home not inspected in 6+ years

Quincy building department hasn't inspected the Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation nursing home in more than six years

3/25/2014

St. Cloud VA hospital's idle turbine generates complaints

The turbine has been sitting broken since August 2012 due to a series of mechanical problems

3/25/2014

Hospital told to improve infection control after C. diff outbreak

Staff at the Scottish facility have been ordered to wear the correct gloves and prioritize the appropriate disposal of waste

3/25/2014

Quarterly fire system testing Q&A

In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question on quarterly testing and inspection scheduling challenges

3/25/2014

Sewage issues could close Alberta health facility

Alberta Health Services calls for an $185-million replacement for Wainwright Health Centre

3/25/2014

California town rejects hospital sign request

Caltrans denies Bear Valley Community Healthcare District's request for additional signs

3/25/2014

Hospital cited for fleas

New Zealand Ministry of Health inspection reveals fleas, overcrowding and insufficient infection control at Hutt Hospital

3/24/2014

Hospital reaches zero-infection target

CEO calls transparency, inspections and a targeted goal keys to success

3/24/2014

UCSF Medical Center foodservice honored for innovation

Smart Choice Smart U program uses online platforms, mobile applications and digital signage to provide real-time nutritional information

3/24/2014

Lincoln hospitals hold winter storm disaster training

Emergency scenario included a winter storm, a school bus accident and a power failure

3/24/2014

Sudbury hospitals to eliminate all smoking areas

Patients at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, Ontario, soon will need to light up somewhere beyond the facility's grounds

3/24/2014

Quality improvement strategies boost infection control

Concept takes on new meaning in an age of healthcare reform

3/21/2014

Access to water key for healthcare system after chemical spill

Healthcare Facilities Management article explores Charleston Area Medical Center's response to chemical disaster

3/20/2014

Study says hospital alarms pose risk for patients

A recent report by the Food and Drug Administration said that there have been nearly 560 deaths every year due to hospital alarms

3/20/2014

NH hospital personnel train for disasters

New Hampshire staffers take part in a weeklong training session in disaster response

3/20/2014

NJ healthcare facilities get smarter in fighting superbugs

Most recent CDC data show that New Jersey healthcare organizations beat national estimates

3/20/2014

Wisconsin exempts hospitals from posted inspection reports

Fifteen other facility types have reports posted online as of 2013

3/20/2014

Manila legislators approve bill regulating hospitals

House of Representatives passed a bill expected to strengthen the regulation of hospitals, other healthcare facilities and services

3/19/2014

Changes in Joint Commission standards for environment of care coming

Changes in areas ranging from electrical systems, hazard communication and leadership to emergency readiness are on the horizon

3/19/2014

Canadian program to bring hospital services into the home

Prince Edward Family Health launches its Hospital at Home program

3/18/2014

ONC offering flexibility with electronic health records

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT announced a one-year delay in the meaningful use timeline and said there will be flexibility with meaningful use stage 2 hardship exemptions

3/18/2014

Selling healthcare energy management to executives

Healthcare Facilities Management article offers best practices for facility managers to get investment proposals approved

3/18/2014

Healthcare CEO gives tips for smarter business intelligence

In a Q&A with Healthcare IT News, Geisinger Health System CEO discussed the importance of integrating data

3/18/2014

WHO program improves U.S. healthcare hand hygiene

Participation in the World Health Organization global campaign to improve hand-hygiene practices is associated with improved hand hygiene, study said

3/18/2014

Poll shows most healthcare CEOs think IT will bring big changes

Only four in ten believe their IT infrastructures are capable of handling future changes

3/18/2014

Inquest jury urges CO detectors after three health facility deaths

Incident at Saskatoon care facility spurs recommendation for CO detectors in all facilities, not just buildings where people stay overnight

3/17/2014

Building culture of quality among top concerns of healthcare providers

Healthcare Design article reports top five concerns of healthcare facility owners from 2013 Healthcare Design Conference discussion

3/17/2014

Safety measures cut risk of contaminated hospital food

New study found more than 80% of raw chicken used in hospitals was contaminated with a form of antibiotic resistant bacteria

3/17/2014

Health facilities find unique solutions to critical power situations

Healthcare Facilities Management article says ensuring reliable critical power for health care organizations on a tight budget a common problem within a variety of situations

3/17/2014

Aurora hospital's automated capacity system helped bring order after tragedy

An Healthcare Informatics article explores how using the system information helped coordinate patient movement and other efforts around the hospital

3/17/2014

ACA, other trends seen redefining post-acute care space

Senator sees movement toward home as the center of care for the elderly

3/17/2014

Manitoba creates fire safety task force for personal care homes

Government is dedicating $7 million annually to fire safety and sprinklers in healthcare facilities

3/14/2014

Securely faxing healthcare data

Solid use policies can help secure the transmission of sensitive data

3/14/2014

Experts advise on cleaning, disinfection of scopes

Infection Control Today asked industry experts to share their perspectives on the key issues relating to scope maintenance

3/14/2014

Successful technology use needs staff buy-in

Technological advancements serve an important role in the maintenance management of healthcare facilities

3/14/2014

Feds call on hospitals to improve disaster plans

The Department of Health and Human Services is proposing new requirements for healthcare facilities to ensure their readiness to care for patients during disasters

3/13/2014

Embracing energy-efficiency complements healthcare mission

Declining costs and improving technologies put alternative energy options within reach of more facilities

3/13/2014

White paper discusses quantifying hygienically clean laundry

Laundries can be held accountable to reduce soil to a microbial level that is definitively hygienically clean, report says

3/13/2014

Hospital CIO discusses making 24 EMRs talk with each other

Connecticut-based Saint Francis Hospital is going through an Epic EHR implementation at the same time as it begins to participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program

3/13/2014

British Columbia hospitals can access up to $9.5 million in funding for energy-saving programs

Hospitals can join public schools in the government's Carbon Neutral Capital Program, which is expanding to $14.5 million from $5 million

3/13/2014

Survey says mobile devices more common but still not part of EHR system

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society poll says few healthcare providers are integrating mobile device data into their electronic health record systems

3/13/2014

How to manage facilities for strategic value

Managing facilities for strategic value means taking the long view with a planning time frame of five, 10, 20, even 30 years out

3/12/2014

Arizona hospital launches several safety initiatives

Casa Grande Regional's 'safety week' just part of focus on patient safety

3/12/2014

Most organizations don't have business intelligence systems

Survey said BI implementation stalled by data complexity and lack of resources and skill sets

3/12/2014

Hospital kitchen 'hazardous' designation not unanimous

In a 'Life Safety Code Q&A' on the FacilityCare website, the designation of hospital kitchens is explored

3/12/2014

EHR upgrades can be difficult for long-term care facilities

Financial concerns create obstacles for many organizations

3/12/2014

Ohio hospital evacuated after chemical mix-up

A gallon of muratic acid was poured into a barrel of chlorine by an employee working in a pool area

3/11/2014

Report sees progress with health information exchanges

Concerns about gaps in adoption of EHRs, particularly in rural and low-income areas and among post-acute facilities, remain

3/11/2014

Manitoba won't make sprinkler systems mandatory in care facilities

Canadian province creating task force to improve fire safety in personal care homes

3/11/2014

Health system CEO sees healthcare embarking on a new mission

Head of Pennsylvania's Heritage Valley Health System says healthcare is shifting back to a community-based setting

3/11/2014

St. Francis Health System food service director honored by professional association

International Foodservice Manufacturers Association's Silver Plate Awards honor excellence in foodservice operations

3/11/2014

Children's hospital groups stress patient, family and caregiver hand washing

Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety and the Children's Hospital Association offer safety tips for patient families

3/11/2014

Group warns of possible food service monopoly

Antitrust watchdog looking at Sysco-US Foods deal

3/10/2014

Windows can boost facilities' accessibility and sustainability

Windows capable of meeting operating force and limited motion requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act must be specified

3/10/2014

White paper discusses life-cycle impacts of products

Report on Healthcare Design website looks at how EPDs and HPDs will shape the next generation of sustainable design.

3/10/2014

One in five U.S. health facilities don't put hand sanitizer everywhere needed

Study also found that only about half of the facilities had set aside funds in their budgets for hand-hygiene training

3/10/2014

Hospital noise can pose safety risk

Noise pollution also contributes to stress among hospital staff and affects patients' sleep patterns and blood pressure

3/10/2014

British Columbia requires either masks or flu shots of hospital visitors

Piles of masks have been added to the antiseptic soap dispensers and hand-washing reminders at entrances to those facilities

3/7/2014

Stanford Hospital and Clinics conducts recycling pilot program

Hospital will divert 110 tons of packaging material from landfill annually

3/7/2014

University of Missouri Health Care to open walk-in clinics at Hy-Vee stores

Construction on the three new 'Mizzou Quick Care' clinics is set to start by mid-March

3/7/2014

Affordable Care Act's impact on medical office buildings

ACA paradigm shift expected to have a long-term positive effect on medical office buildings and healthcare facilities

3/7/2014

Video-monitoring in hospitals complicates privacy question

Video-monitoring has become more common as high-quality, inexpensive technology has become increasingly accessible

3/6/2014

Healthcare Design magazine honors facility owner

Dr. David Schuller has guided the 11-year expansion of OSU's medical center and the cancer facilities - a project involving 1.1 million square feet and a $1.1 billion price tag

3/6/2014

Organization advises against taking sick kids to retail clinics

Retail health clinics are becoming a popular alternative to the doctor's office with more than 20 million patient visits

3/6/2014

Wales hospital power upgrade to boost energy savings

Nevill Hall Hospital, in Abergavenny, Wales, is expanding its combined heat and power plant - increasing generating capacity by a third and boosting energy savings by 35 percent

3/6/2014

A prescription for peace and privacy

Specifying sound masking for healthcare facilities

3/6/2014

Part 1: Hospital initiative to boost patient satisfaction started with environmental services

Faced with lower-than-expected patient satisfaction scores, Blanchard Valley Hospital underwent a systemic change in its culture that began with the environmental services department.

3/6/2014

Does IT security hinder healthcare productivity?

IT staff can create an environment that serves security, compliance and patient care

3/5/2014

CMS rule on emergency preparedness would establish national requirements

All healthcare providers that receive Medicare reimbursement funds, including hospitals, critical access hospitals, nursing homes and ambulatory care surgeries would be affected

3/5/2014

Coffee shop bumped for dialysis clinic at Halifax facility

Money-losing Tim Hortons in the Halifax Infirmary closed as officials begin to search for ways to save millions of dollars

3/5/2014

Could MRI be hacking opportunity?

Report says healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors will experience the highest level of attacks involving 'Internet of things'

3/4/2014

Researching disaster helps hospital plan

Implementation of new procedures saves lives in subsequent emergency

3/4/2014

Michigan Center for Rural Health signs on as a Healthier Hospital organization

HHI is based on the premise that how hospitals are designed, built and operated can improve patient outcomes and workplace safety, prevent illnesses, create environmental benefits and save money

3/4/2014

Surviving a disaster can change emergency plan

It is the facility manager's job to make sure disaster's lesson isn't learned at the expense of lives

3/4/2014

Washington state hospital worker safety bill passes

The bill would increase the penalty for assaulting an employee, contractor, intern or volunteer of a state hospital

3/3/2014

Nonprofit organization launches sustainable product registry

Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute seeks greater transparency from manufacturers

3/3/2014

Managing clinical alarm systems

Patient safety issues often signal problems with inappropriate alarm use, ineffective alarm coverage or delayed alarm response

3/3/2014

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