Facility Operations - April 2018
Maximizing the performance life of UPS
The role of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and generators has expanded in recent years
4/30/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18246-power.jpg)
Virginia Mason Memorial honored for sustainability
Washington hospital received four awards this year from Practice Greenhealth
4/30/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18245-green-home.jpg)
Decoding healthcare facility door locking requirements
Designing compliant locking arrangements can be a challenge
4/30/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18244-emergency-exit.jpg)
Benefits of wireless access control for healthcare facilities
Ease of installation is one reason to consider wireless access control
4/27/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18243-wireless-access.jpg)
VRF: Strategies for success
For maintenance and engineering managers involved in the decision-making process, the technology can be challenging
4/27/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18234-VRF-Technology.jpg)
Smarter purchasing for safer hospitals
Free tool allows facilities to track and compare their energy usage
4/27/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18236-nurse-iv.jpg)
N.Y. system treat healthcare workers' job-related trauma
Study showed that staff who received organizational support outperformed their peers
4/26/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18228-collaboration.jpg)
Technology improvements lead to better paints
Innovations in paint are leading to coatings that are faster and easier to apply, last longer, and perform new functions
4/26/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18232-paint.jpg)
Developing a safety risk assessment
The Center for Health Design has a free tool to guide the process, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/26/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18230-doctors-consulting.jpg)
Texas hospital's 'mission control' manages real-time patient movement
Texas Children Hospital honored for innovation solution
4/26/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18233-texas-childrens-mission-control.jpg)
Joint Commission issues new sentinel event alert on violence against healthcare workers
Healthcare workers four times more likely to be victimized, including physical and verbal violence
4/26/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18229-security.jpg)
Succession planning paper available for download
Includes tips on getting millennials on the team
4/25/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18225-man-woman-laptop-phone.jpg)
Robot enables telemedicine consultations
Physicians can be in more than one location at the same time
4/25/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18203-telehealth.jpg)
Security tightened after St. Louis VA suicide
St. Louis suicide one in a string of self-inflicted veterans' deaths
4/24/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18199-va-hospital.jpg)
West Australia's hospital staff to get anti-stab vests, personal alarms
The initiative will be rolled out over three years
4/24/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18197-security.jpg)
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
4/24/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18196-cybersecurity.jpg)
Measuring effectiveness of electrochemically activated cleaning
Measurement assists facilities cleaning staff and supervisors to ensure ECA cleaning methods are working as intended
4/24/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18195-Electrochemical-Activation.jpg)
Porter Adventist Hospital infection breach linked to human error
The breach came from the tools not being cleaned properly and potentially containing bioburden
4/23/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18182-surgical-tools.jpg)
Patients at S.C. hospital develop waterborne bacterial infection after surgery
Twenty-seven women who needed surgery at Roper Hospital in 2016 and 2017 developed a bacterial infection
4/23/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18193-roper-hospital.jpg)
Violence prevention plans now mandatory in Calif. hospitals
California is the first state to require plans in all acute-care hospitals and skilled-nursing facilities
4/23/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18185-security.jpg)
Mo. nursing home cited after three residents found outside in freezing temperatures
Inspectors: Autumn View Gardens assisted living facility in Creve Coeur put residents in imminent danger
4/23/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18194-creve-coeur.jpg)
E. Coli outbreaks found in seven states
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting 17 cases
4/23/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18184-ecoli.jpg)
Colorado Health Department confirms surgical infections at Porter
Agency says links to sterilization flaws unclear
4/20/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18178-surgery.jpg)
Predictive maintenance technologies support reliable operations
These strategies can provide a true condition assessment of the equipment
4/20/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18175-predictive-maintenance.jpg)
Maintaining security with contract cleaning staff
Improved and standardized security checks urged
4/20/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/15605-floor-cleaner.jpg)
Study says healthcare facilities need to do a better job of cleaning beds
Columbia University researchers have found data from four New York hospitals that show beds are full of germs
4/19/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18171-iv.jpg)
How healthcare facilities can reduce the risk of patient exposure to Legionella
Legionnaires’ disease cases have gone up by 400 percent in the last 14 years
4/19/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18173-wheelchair-shower.jpg)
Two-fifths of private hospitals in England are failing safety standards
Inspections by the Care Quality Commission raise concerns over the safety and leadership
4/19/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18170-hospital-corridor.jpg)
Healthcare stewardship means going ‘green’
Being 'green' in a healthcare facility is more complicated than a typical business
4/19/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18169-green.jpg)
Healthcare facilities' energy efficiency improves air quality
Salt Lake City Op-Ed says healthcare facilities' energy efficiency efforts can impact community health
4/19/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/15572-hospital.jpg)
Why healthcare facilities should implement CMMS
Managing a healthcare facility can be easier and more efficient with a computerized maintenance management system
4/18/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18166-doctor-cmms.jpg)
N.C. hospital elevates food offerings with Mediterranean cafe
UNC Rex Healthcare is trying to redefine hospital food
4/18/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18167-hospital-food.jpg)
Study says nursing homes have fewer residents, with more needs
Though occupancy rates fell between 2009 and 2016, the needs of nursing home residents have grown considerably
4/18/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18165-walker.jpg)
Plumbing systems should be simple and reliable
Know the requirements and technical challenges of the healthcare facility plumbing system
4/18/2018
![](http://healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2016/12630-hospital-plumbing.jpg)
German shepherd added to security team at Indiana hospital
Dog trained to sniff out bombs and firearms
4/17/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18141-german-shepherd-hospital-security.jpg)
Minn. state hospitals conditions at 'crisis point'
Healthcare facilities have a backlog of tens of millions of dollars worth of renovations
4/17/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18139-Anoka-Metro-Regional-Treatment-Center.jpg)
Long Island VA center’s air quality repairs prioritized
Sen. Chuck Schumer wants Washington to fast track $15 million in funds
4/17/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18138-furnace-maintenance.jpg)
New ward approved for 'shoddily built' UK hospital
Plans have been approved after 'serious defects' were found in seven-year-old buildings
4/17/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18135-roseberry-park.jpg)
2010 report showed security gaps at Yountville Veterans Home
The state-run veterans home had security shortcomings that the California Highway Patrol identified in 2010
4/16/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18132-Veterans-Home-Shooting.jpg)
Queensland healthcare system removes soft drinks from hospitals
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service has decided to phase out the sale of sugary drinks from its healthcare facilities.
4/16/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18131-soft-drinks-hospital-removed.jpg)
Software solutions can help with long-term care physical plant issues
Keeping the physical plant healthy is as important as maintaining that of the residents within
4/16/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18130-senior-patient.jpg)
Incorporating technology into tomorrow's healthcare facilities
Design needs to evolve to keep pace with this technological revolution
4/16/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18134-human-heart.jpg)
Dealing with elderly patient wandering, elopement, part 2
The number of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is skyrocketing
4/16/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18129-senior-care.jpg)
Minn. says $63.4 million is needed for treatment facility upgrades
Years of neglect and underfunding blamed
4/16/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18128-St-Peter-Regional-Treatment-Center.jpg)
Mass. hospital employee charged with placing hidden camera in bathroom
The hospital said no patients or visitors were impacted by the incident
4/13/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18126-bathroom-stall.jpg)
DC veterans hospital still dealing with problems
Facility sited for 'culture of complacency'
4/13/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18127-va-hospital.jpg)
Influenza B dominating end of flu season
Flu activity decreased for the sixth consecutive week, but rates remain above the national baseline
4/13/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18125-flu.jpg)
California's new workplace violence law could be a model for federal legislation
Nurses organizations laud a new California law that requires employers to provide workplace violence training
4/13/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18124-nurse.jpg)
Microgrid installed at Puerto Rican healthcare facility
Running entirely off-grid, the clinic is reliant on the microgrid to power its healthcare technology, lights and refrigeration
4/13/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18123-microgrid.jpg)
Telehealth is affecting built environments
As telehealth changes the way healthcare is delivered, it’s also impacting the traditional space requirements within facilities, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
4/13/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18116-telehealth.jpg)
Denver healthcare facility warns of sterilization issues
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says no infections have been reported so far
4/12/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18110-porter-adventist-hospital-denver.jpg)
Man with crossbow taken into custody outside Fresno hospital
The man reportedly had been escorted from the hospital and took the loaded crossbow out of a backpack
4/12/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18109-crossbow-hospital.jpg)
Study addresses UV disinfection challenges
Identifying rooms that would benefit from UV disinfection a key issue
4/12/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18112-uv-disinfection.jpg)
Va healthcare facility switching to LED lighting
Roanoke Memorial Hospital swapping out all 42,000 light fixtures
4/12/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18114-hospital-hallway.jpg)
Texas hospital engineers energy savings, boosts patient satisfaction
MD Anderson works to improve temp control in patient rooms
4/12/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/17085-smiling-patient.jpg)
Madison hospital cited for 7 'deficiencies' following NICU abuse
CMS report shows UnityPoint-Meriter hospital was issued a 'statement of deficiencies' for seven issues in hospital operations and patient care
4/11/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18108-nicu.jpg)
Wisconsin hospital’s geothermal system slashes energy use
Edgerton Hospital and Health Services' natural gas bill has been dramatically reduced
4/11/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18107-hospital-geothermal.jpg)
Manitoba healthcare facilities receive funding for HVAC, pump upgrades
The Manitoba government has approved over 120 healthcare facility maintenance projects
4/11/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18106-hvac-maintenance.jpg)
Sewage leaks in operating rooms still an issue at D.C. hospital for VIPs
A black, grainy foul-smelling substance coated the floor of an operating room
4/11/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18090-surgeons.jpg)
When will Fla.'s mandated nursing home generators be inspected?
Agency may not inspect all the generators before storm season starts and the mandates take effect June 1
4/11/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18085-nursing-home-generators.jpg)
Expert: Fla. nursing home where a dozen died of heat ‘made it worse’
Coolers weren’t properly ventilated and pushed additional heat into the confined space
4/10/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18083-hurricane.jpg)
Woman sues Michigan hospital after she is attacked in ER
A video shows a man running up behind the woman and striking her in the head with his fist
4/10/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18088-er-attack.jpg)
Vegas hospital CEO: 'Drill like it's the real thing'
CEO of hospital that treated victims of October shooting spoke to Utah healthcare officials
4/10/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18089-gurney.jpg)
Longterm care needs tech innovation
Many organizations say they’re not prepared to use innovative tools as part of a value-based strategy
4/10/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18084-senior-tablet.jpg)
Efforts to control 'nightmare' bacteria working
Feds say system would be more effective if more hospitals and doctors participated
4/10/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18082-ecoli.jpg)
Hospital bends rules to grant Grandpa's dying wish to see his dog
Hospital credits infection control staff for making it happen
4/9/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18074-hospital-dying-wish-dog.jpg)
Vancouver healthcare facilities now offering menus to patients
Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care hospitals stepping up food service offerings
4/9/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18072-vch-food.jpg)
Apple's recent hospital deals may signal industry shakeup
The idea is to give patients easier access to their own data
4/9/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18071-apple-hospital-deal.jpg)
Florida fines Hialeah assisted living facility over bedbugs
South Hialeah Manor fined $1,000 for a bedbug infestation
4/9/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18070-bed-bug.jpg)
La. lawmakers advance bill that would allow cameras in nursing home rooms
Some nursing home operators are opposing the bill
4/9/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18069-senior-walker.jpg)
Ontario hospital patients experience table-side service from a chef
Chef visit was scheduled to encourage patients to eat together
4/6/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18050-Hotel-Dieu-Grace-hospital-chef.jpg)
Avoiding the hidden costs of environmental services staff injuries
Environmental services work-related injuries usually involve either exposure to harmful contaminants or musculoskeletal disorders
4/6/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/15606-custodian.jpg)
'Nightmare' antibiotic-resistant bacteria detected in 27 states
More than 200 rare antibiotic-resistant genes were found in bacteria tested in 2017
4/6/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18067-salmonella-enterica.jpg)
Nevada hospital installs bacteria fighting operating room light fixtures
The disinfectant lights are installed in all inpatient and outpatient surgical suites and emergency department patient bays
4/6/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18051-operating-room.jpg)
Quiet, cleanliness top patient wish list
Healthcare professionals urged to be attuned to the subtle things that can affect a patient's experience
4/5/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18048-patient-satisfaction.jpg)
$10 billion assisted living industry has little oversight
It’s usually up to states to regulate facilities
4/5/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18047-assisted-living.jpg)
Florida Gov. signs bills mandating backup power at nursing homes
The legislation require the facilities to have a generator capable of keeping nursing homes and assisted living facilities at 81 degrees or lower for four days
4/5/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18046-hurricane.jpg)
Oregon fines mental health facility after workers suffer hundreds of attacks
Workplace regulators have fined the Unity Center for Behavioral Health $1,650 for failing to take steps to prevent future assaults
4/5/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18043-unity-mental-health.jpg)
Avoiding two common pitfalls to achieving strategic goals
Support development of clear, sustainable strategies that achieve objectives and reduce executive burnout
4/5/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18031-presentation.jpg)
Grounding of HVAC motor shafts protects bearings, lowers repair costs
Maximum energy efficiency is the cornerstone of a long and growing list of building certification initiatives such as LEED, Green Globes, Zero Energy Buildings, Living Building Challenge, and Energy Star for Buildings
4/5/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18045-hvac-motor-shaft-ground.jpg)
Texas health clinics investigated for potentially spreading hepatitis, HIV
The Galveston County Health District and Department of State Health Services are investigating Coastal Health and Wellness in Galveston and Texas City
4/4/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18032-stethoscope.jpg)
Increasing patient satisfaction through employee engagement
Patient experience has the ability to make or break a facilities’ reputation
4/4/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/17194-hospital-laundry.jpg)
New guidelines created to curb healthcare workplace violence
Healthcare facilities urged to establish a process and team to deal with violence
4/3/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18017-security.jpg)
Children’s hospital cuts viral infections with UV-C tech
A UV system is used in addition to standard cleaning protocols on the toddler unit
4/3/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18016-pediatrician-shot.jpg)
Healthcare facilities look to hospitality for customer service cues
Las Vegas medical groups try to improve patient experiences
4/3/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18018-patient-experience.jpg)
Why choose PEX-a for hydronic piping applications?
A UV system is used in addition to standard cleaning protocols on the toddler unit
4/3/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18027-hvac.jpg)
Hospitals honored for heating pipeline project
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was awarded Sustainability Project of the Year
4/3/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/16818-OUH-Headington-hospitals-heating-pipeline.jpg)
Feds say University of Maryland hospital violated rules in patient dumping case
University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown cited for violating patient rights and several patient safety and hospital management regulations
4/2/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18012-patient-dumping.jpg)
Hot meals banned for patients stuck on gurneys in overcrowded Irish hospitals
The ban on hot meals has been introduced for patients’ safety in several hospitals
4/2/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18014-hospital-meal.jpg)
Water bacteria testing extended to second Glasgow hospital
Tests for bacteria in the water supply at the Royal Hospital for Children have been extended to the neighboring Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
4/2/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18011-queen-elizabeth-hospital-water.jpg)
Can aromatherapy be a source of bacterial infections?
An outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa suggests aromatherapy can pose a high risk to patient safety
4/2/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18010-dropper.jpg)
Cancer center patients infected by Listeria from hospital deli
Three people who ate deli sandwiches from a restaurant in Canada’s largest cancer center have been infected
4/2/2018
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/18015-listeria.jpg)