Groundskeeping - June 2020
California hospital suspends admission of non-Coronavirus patients after surge of staff cases
The facility has been preparing for this type of surge since the pandemic began
6/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24690-patient.jpg)
FEMA paid company $7M for plastic soda bottles
Original order was for test tubes for COVID-19 testing
6/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24686-covid19.jpg)
Cleanroom requirements and classifications for healthcare facilities
Cleanroom facilities provide an essential barrier against the spread of contaminants and disease in the healthcare sector
6/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24688-sterile.jpg)
Assisted living facilities running low on PPE equipment
Many facilities said they have less than a two-week supply of specific PPE
6/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24687-ppe.jpg)
Healthcare facility environmental services managers share top concerns
Role of the environmental services department in patient care often underestimated
6/30/2020
![](http://healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/14382-orderly.jpg)
Pandemic has greatly increased the use of telemedicine
Will it be the future of healthcare?
6/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24689-telehealth.jpg)
California long-term care facilities build booths for visits
Families visit loved ones through Plexiglas during pandemic lockdown
6/26/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24670-elder.jpg)
Long Island emergency staff wants more security after bomb scare
Two floors, including the emergency room, were evacuated in the incident
6/26/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24671-emergency.jpg)
Infection preventionists are preparing for COVID’s second wave
Part of the process are education and establishing plans
6/26/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24675-coronavirus.jpg)
R.I. hospital using disinfecting units to fight coronavirus
The units use disinfecting solution effective against COVID-19
6/26/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24674-disenfection.jpg)
Battling COVID with a video camera
With the continued need for social distancing, hospitals are seeking ways to distance healthcare workers form contagious patients
6/26/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24673-camera.jpg)
A sustained response to COVID-19 depends on key capabilities
Kaiser Permanente put together a checklist to manage a pandemic
6/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24659-covid19.jpg)
How can hospitals prepare for two disasters at once?
Coordination with emergency response agencies is key
6/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24669-hurricane.jpg)
How access control technology is being used in the pandemic
Technology is being used to help eliminate common touch points, isolate infected patients
6/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24565-access.jpg)
Reducing HAIs with touchpoint disinfecting
EVS staff should focus their efforts on one of the most challenging areas to disinfect
6/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24662-disenfection.jpg)
Implementing a healthcare data platform to promote high-value care
The global pandemic amplifies the day-to-day challenges of identifying gaps in care
6/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24660-hospital.jpg)
Unions say mask decontamination endangers healthcare workers
N95 respirators used by clinical workers are complicated safety devices and are meant to be disposable, according to an expert
6/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24649-mask.jpg)
Pittsburgh company repurposing industrial masks to use against Covid-19
Elastomeric masks cost more upfront, but they can be cleaned and reused for years, with the filter replaced monthly
6/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24658-worker.jpg)
Outsourcing: Going from 'housekeeping' to 'environmental services'
Professional environmental services make a science of cleaning
6/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22512-nurse.jpg)
Outsourcing: Going from 'housekeeping' to 'environmental services'
Professional environmental services make a science of cleaning
6/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22512-nurse.jpg)
Indiana hospital security guard shoots, kills patient and fellow guard during assault
Patient had attacked nurse and was choking guard that was killed
6/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24646-security.jpg)
Senior living facilities applying Covid’s infection-control lessons long term
Procedures have come under scrutiny during the pandemic
6/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24647-care.jpg)
The impact of blue light on patients at night
Light is critical to our health because it helps synchronize the biological clock that maintains our circadian rhythms
6/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22609-patient.jpg)
What if hospitals face a hurricane and coronavirus at the same time?
COVID 19 has made storm preparations even more critical
6/22/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24634-sign.jpg)
N.H. nursing home workers petition for COVID-19 stipends
Facility staff in Rockingham County want to be compensated as front-line workers
6/22/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24637-nurse.jpg)
How hospitals can prepare for a ‘new normal’
Hospitals are facing new challenges that have lead to technological innovations
6/22/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24636-doctor.jpg)
How to curb the spread of airborne and surface contaminants
Building’s mechanical systems can support occupant health
6/19/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24624-hospital.jpg)
Lessons learned in pandemic offer opportunities for change
Telehealth became more common with significant advances in the last 10 weeks
6/19/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24629-isolated.jpg)
Improving facility door security as crime risk increases
Door can have vulnerabilities that can be exploited
6/19/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24628-doctor.jpg)
Infection preventionists, environmental services staff urged to work together
COVID-19 is inspiring teams to improvise
6/19/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24623-cleaning.jpg)
Cleaning machines may be smart investment for healthcare facilities
It is important that floor-cleaning machines be employed whether or not an imminent threat is already present
6/19/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24617-cleaner.jpg)
Purdue University startup creates bedside hand-washing system
Project Process created a portable bedside sink
6/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24600-comp.jpg)
Pennsylvania orders stricter COVID-19 protections for hospital workers
The measures include staff members in housekeeping services, dietary services and maintenance
6/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24606-cleaning.jpg)
Sanitizing, stockpiling and communication helps keep nursing home stay COVID-free
Some of these steps happened before the U.S. entered its lockdown phase
6/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24604-nursing.jpg)
Environmental survey shows how HAIs often start
The researchers sampled 179 sites including sink traps, pulse oximeters, and door handles
6/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24603-hospital.jpg)
What hospitals can learn from the Parkview Medical shutdown
The good news is COVID-19 is not resistant to disinfectants
6/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24495-cyber.jpg)
Children in care at risk for coronavirus
Many have been locked down since late February facing isolation with strict social-distancing measures
6/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24590-corona.jpg)
Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Dead-bolt lock on closet door
Brad Keyes discusses regulations for a dead-bolt lock on closet door
6/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24588-lock.jpg)
Environmental services technician certification proves its worth
Certification also helps decrease infection rates in hospitals
6/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/23054-nurse.jpg)
Protecting healthcare facilities from drones
There continues to be a sharp increase in uses for drones - both positive and negative
6/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24583-drone.jpg)
Reliable power source key during pandemic
In some countries, 25 percent of health clinics lack electricity
6/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24581-clinic.jpg)
N.Y. initiative boosts cleaning in longterm care facilities
Daily, discharge cleaning show improvements
6/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24580-clean.jpg)
Alabama doctor invents hand-sanitizer-dispensing wristband
The device could be helpful in combating illnesses commonly spread by hand, such as the flu, the common cold and food poisoning
6/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24579-sanitizer.jpg)
Pop-up grocery stores popping into healthcare facilities
Foodservice company is converting existing retail space at healthcare facilities into 'pop-up' grocery stores to serve frontline healthcare workers
6/15/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24575-shopping.jpg)
Considerations for hospital and healthcare facility evacuations
Facilities should incorporate elements of an evacuation plan, with logistics and alternatives
6/15/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24574-hospital.jpg)
Healthcare design can help prevent infection spread in restrooms
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for better design in restrooms
6/15/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24572-basin.jpg)
Coronavirus complicates hurricane planning
Storm shelters have to be designed for social distancing
6/12/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24554-shelter.jpg)
WHO says there’s a second outbreak of Ebola in Congo
Country already battling COVID-19 and measles
6/12/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24528-ebola.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
6/12/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/15606-custodian.jpg)
COVID-19 would complicate hospital evacuations
The University of Texas Medical Branch has been training to deal with a complex disaster during a COVID-19 flare up
6/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24541-hurricane.jpg)
CDC updates COVID guidance for assisted living communities
The update provides recommendations on infection reporting, visitor restrictions and group activities
6/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24555-nurse.jpg)
Tackling difficult carpet stains
When an accident occurs, it is vital to clean bodily fluids from floors immediately and with caution
6/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24544-geriatric.jpg)
Chatbots are reshaping the way COVID-19 ERA healthcare facilities and hospitals connect with patients
Tools that allow self-service customer response techniques are more important than ever
6/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24542-chatbot.jpg)
Survey finds almost 75 percent of campuses use multiple emergency notification systems
But this total represents a drop since the last survey
6/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24543-alarm.jpg)
Minneapolis hospital cancels surgeries over safety concerns
Emergency procedures continued but other surgeries were postponed
6/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24540-protest.jpg)
North Carolina using drones in Covid-19 response
Novant Health received a temporary waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly the drones
6/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24532-drone.jpg)
Healthcare facilities urged to redefine their culture
Establishing a career path and offering continued development is important
6/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24538-security.jpg)
HEPA containment systems for isolation rooms
Because the ductwork is protected by the filter, there is a reduced risk of a potential contagion spreading in the ceiling service spaces
6/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24539-filter.jpg)
Resilient design for healthcare facilities about more than disasters
Resilience can be about how the design holds up in the long-term
6/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22655-hospital.jpg)
Georgia student creating COVID-19 protective equipment
The equipment is made using a water-jet machining process
6/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24529-shield.jpg)
Nursing home workers face risks during coronavirus
A third of Covid deaths in the U.S. have been in longterm care facilities
6/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24527-mask.jpg)
Kaiser Permanente releases guidance on bringing back employees to the workplace
The playbook was made in response to requests from the health plan's customers
6/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24521-desks.jpg)
COVID-19 increases importance of hand hygiene
Proper hand hygiene training called the number one way to reduce the spread of illnesses and viruses
6/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24520-wash.jpg)
Environmental services' role goes beyond cleanliness
EVS professionals can impact patient satisfaction
6/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22943-hospital.jpg)
Elastomeric masks may be an alternative N-95s
Elastomeric masks used with a P100 filter provides 99.97 percent respiratory protection
6/8/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24518-mask.jpg)
Strategies for effective healthcare facility management in the time of COVID-19
To support healthcare workers and limit the spread of the virus in care facilities, the impact of identifying critical areas that need support such as HVAC, fire systems, security, and building automation systems is underestimated
6/8/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24517-coronavirus.jpg)
Many common cleaning products reported effective against COVID-19 virus
The researchers said the microbicidals ethyl alcohol, para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), salicylic acid; and quaternary ammonium compounds kill 99.9 percent of coronaviruses
6/8/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24519-clean.jpg)
Drones are delivering medical supplies and PPE in North Carolina
It may be the longest-range drone delivery service that’s been approved in the U.S.
6/8/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24516-drone.jpg)
CDC reports pandemic has killed close to 300 U.S. healthcare workers
More than 60,000 workers have been infected
6/5/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24504-masks.jpg)
Maine healthcare facility switches to in-house security
The decision was made after an assessment of the physical environment
6/5/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24505-security.jpg)
Iowa manufacturer turns ceiling panels into intubation shields
The acrylic and polycarbonate sheets used were turned into medical equipment
6/5/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24503-intubation.jpg)
How nursing homes can bolster infection control
Infection control in skilled nursing facilities has come under scrutiny
6/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24480-coronavirus.jpg)
Manufacturers and providers – Superheroes in fighting healthcare cybercrime
More and more medical devices are wirelessly connected to the Internet and also to healthcare facility networks and their respective sensitive devices
6/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24479-hacker.jpg)
How cloud-integrated robotics can make your budget and staff more efficient – choose to make a difference today
The U.S. healthcare system must look for opportunities to automate tedious tasks
6/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24476-hospital.jpg)
Cleaning strategies during coronavirus pandemic
Focus on cleaning and disinfecting common areas where staff and others providing services
6/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24475-clean.jpg)
Banner Health launching virtual waiting room
COVID-19 is expected to bring changes to maintain social distancing guidelines
6/2/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24465-waiting.jpg)
Facilities could be liable if healthcare personnel test positive for coronavirus
If an employee tests positive for coronavirus they contracted while working, or they unknowingly brought the disease to work and infected others, employers can be held liable for a workers’ compensation claim
6/2/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23785-corona.jpg)
HVAC considerations for healthy offices
HVAC and cleaning strategies can create emotional safety for workers
6/2/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24416-virtual.jpg)
Pandemic will change how environmental service teams operate
Before the pandemic, infection prevention in healthcare facilities focused on hospital-acquired infections
6/1/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24442-clean.jpg)
How Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is working to keeping facility safe
The hospital is encouraging families not to delay needed care for their children
6/1/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24439-clean.jpg)
Longterm care facilities face challenges battling Covid 19
One of these challenges is the continued struggle to keep PPE in stock
6/1/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24441-nurse.jpg)
Optimizing physical spaces for telehealth
In 2020 alone, experts predict virtual visits will soar to more than one billion, with more than 900 million visits related to COVID-19
6/1/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24440-senior.jpg)