Facility Operations

Preparation key to dealing with healthcare facility shootings

Those providing essential medical care to patients cannot run, hide or fight

8/17/2018

CMS says Joint Commission recommendations set standard for ligature risk

CMS surveyors will be referring to those recommendations when looking for environmental hazards

8/17/2018

CMS Administrator calls for an end to physician fax machines by 2020

CMS is also seeking app developers

8/17/2018

Healthcare industry hit hardest by cybercrime

The healthcare industry itself is partly responsible

8/17/2018

Top three trends underlining healthcare gamification market landscape

Global valuation to exceed USD 40 billion by 2024

8/17/2018

N.Y. hospital shooting illustrates complexity of threat

Incident spotlighted the complex job of protecting healthcare facilities

8/16/2018

Feds reverse plan to reduce reporting on hospital infections, safety

The information will now be published on the federal Hospital Compare site

8/16/2018

Healthcare workers hike to raise awareness about workplace violence

Minnesota healthcare workers are planning a 100-mile hike on the Superior Hiking Trail

8/15/2018

Security reviewed after apparent murder-suicide at NY hospital

An investigation will be conducted into how the man entered with the handgun

8/15/2018

Oregon toolkit aims to curb healthcare workplace violence

The collaboration grew from a workgroup started in 2014

8/15/2018

Study looks at contamination of frequently touched hospital objects

Study shows bacterial contamination for elevator buttons, door handles and phones

8/15/2018

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

8/15/2018

10 taken to hospital after feeling sick at N.H. medical center

Employees reported feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and tightness in their chests

8/14/2018

Managing patient surges with social media

Use of social apps can help keep track of breaking incidents so appropriate treatment and security can be provided

8/14/2018

Rosebud reservation hospital under scrutiny again

Federal inspectors surveyed the hospital in late July

8/14/2018

How healthcare facilities survive natural disasters

Communication, planning and technology are key

8/14/2018

New Cape Cod healthcare facility being built to survive strongest hurricanes

Hospital adhering to Florida building code standards

8/13/2018

Superbug Candida auris spreads from UK to Australia

Outbreaks have occurred in more than 20 countries since the organism was discovered in 2009

8/13/2018

Interactive calculator quantifies cost savings from using mobile facilities dashboards

Winning budget approval for technology is still a challenge when senior management teams in healthcare are often juggling multiple, and sometimes competing, priorities

8/13/2018

Boosting energy efficiency with building envelope retrofit

Other benefits include improved appearance and uninterrupted workflow

8/13/2018

What to consider when planning for an industrial generator

Age, hours, and fuel type play significant roles in your decision-making process.

8/13/2018

Some bacteria are becoming more tolerant of hand sanitizers

It took a 70-percent alcohol mixture to eradicate some bacteria

8/10/2018

VA Medical Center in D.C. 'deteriorating,' memo says

The VA memo said agency leaders have the concerns about mishaps, employee dissatisfaction

8/10/2018

Calif. hospital reviews active-shooter procedures

Leaders looking at they responded to first 'code black' lockdown

8/10/2018

Water leak postpones surgeries at an Okla. hospital

The water had to be shut off at AllianceHealth Midwest City

8/9/2018

New device diffuses viscous disinfectants

Standard mechanical atomization doesn't work well with viscous fluids

8/9/2018

Visitor registration systems can boost health facility security

Security must contend with these threats while balancing the need to maintain an open and inviting environment

8/9/2018

Maryland organizations collaborate to reduce HAIs

Participating facilities achieved a 14.2 percent decrease in C. diff rates

8/8/2018

Parata Systems boosts customer satisfaction with proactive maintenance and analytics

After finding their existing IoT platform lacking, Parata needed to evaluate other solutions.

8/8/2018

Food service becoming main course at senior facilities

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

8/8/2018

Congo to use Ebola vaccine to counter flare-up

Four people have tested positive for Ebola

8/7/2018

Virginia electronically links all of its emergency departments

The ability to view information on a patient's 10 previous ED visits saves on unneeded imaging tests

8/7/2018

Safety improvements ordered for hospitals after arson attack

Entire staff will receive face-to-face fire safety training

8/7/2018

Food service veteran expects continued heavy chef presence in hospitals

James McGrody, UNC Rex Healthcare, discusses industry and career

8/7/2018

UV systems part of disinfection arsenal for healthcare

Hand-washing and chemical protocols also key to fighting infection

8/7/2018

AHE announces 2018 Environmental Services Department of the Year Award winners

The award recognizes significant contributions made by an environmental services department to the overall patient experience and achieving a healthcare organization's mission

8/7/2018

Seismic deadlines looming for California hospitals

Kern River Valley facing bed shortage in event of disaster

8/6/2018

Patient satisfaction drives lighting investment decisions

Patient satisfaction and overall comfort can provide a cost benefit that outweighs any electronic dashboard savings

8/6/2018

Indiana microhospital has full food-service operation

Two employees staff the micro hospital’s food and nutrition department

8/6/2018

Hospital updates cleaning checklist

Update includes previously overlooked overlooked items

8/6/2018

Common sense approach urged for cybersecurity

Healthcare providers should scale their security programs and understand they're not going to fix everything at once

8/3/2018

Net zero energy is the future of facilities

Practices, considerations for an ultra-efficient building

8/3/2018

Legionella bacteria found in Bronx hospital's water

Bacteria was found during required testing

8/2/2018

Shoddy IT infrastructure invites hackers

Hackers are attracted to hospitals with rapid adoption of IT

8/2/2018

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

8/2/2018

Bill to improve VA waste disposal moves to Senate

The bill would require the VA to install on-site medical waste treatment systems in all facilities

8/2/2018

Security questioned at hospital after mishandling of gun

Police officer heard ordering staffer to pick up a dropped gun during a shooting incident

8/2/2018

Sustainability can be infection prevention issue for healthcare facilities

Chemical safety, energy use and waste reduction can affect patient safety

8/1/2018

Patient risks grow when facilities underestimate IT

Almost every critical system rides on the central IT backbone, including building automation, fire monitoring, emergency power, refrigerators, water management and air management

8/1/2018

The future of electrical power in healthcare facilities

The way power delivery will be accomplished in the future is likely via a wireless power delivery system since plugs are at a premium in hospitals

8/1/2018

Family of ducks rescued from hospital parking structure

The security team stopped traffic to make sure the visitors crossed the road safely after catching the birds in blankets

8/1/2018

Leapfrog updates methodology

The changes will take effect for the grades released in October

8/1/2018

Family billed $800 to use regular ER sink

The eyewash station was too unsanitary and dirty to use

7/31/2018

Hospital cafeterias are offering more choices for quick snacks

Healthcare facilities focusing on healthy options

7/31/2018

Designing a chilled-water system for the future

Planning for changes as the system ages is critical

7/31/2018

Window film installation in hospitals can save lives, conserve energy

Some security window films have the added benefit of conserving energy by controlling the amount of sun that enters the building

7/31/2018

EPA updates disinfectant-testing guidelines

New rules are for products used by hospital environmental services

7/31/2018

FGI adjusts terminology for ’patients of size’

Facility Guidelines Institute cites safety concerns for change in language

7/31/2018

Balancing safety, peace with ferromagnetic security screening

Workplace violence is prevalent in mental health

7/30/2018

Making the most out of healthcare IT in an ambulatory care setting

The ambulatory environment presents unique challenges for many internal healthcare IT organizations

7/30/2018

Getting paid to cut power use

Utilities will pay facilities to use less energy

7/30/2018

South Bronx hospital installs anti-microbial cooling towers technology to fight Legionnaires

Deadly bacteria can proliferates in water systems like cooling towers

7/30/2018

Security reviewed after clinic shooting

Man fatally shot in Cape Town healthcare facility

7/30/2018

Protecting cities from Legionnaires Disease

South Bronx hospital adopts new anti-microbial cooling tower technology to stave off Legionnaires Disease and other biological health threats.

7/27/2018

Fluorescent lamp recycling at medical centers

The complexities of medical center waste create issues for facility managers

7/27/2018

Tips for medical device cybersecurity

Device cybersecurity called the biggest challenge hospitals face today

7/27/2018

Ebola outbreak in DRC ends

WHO calls for international efforts to stop other outbreaks

7/26/2018

Legionnaires' outbreak at Minn. senior healthcare facility sickens two

Health officials seeking source of infection

7/26/2018

Technology's role in healthcare design, operations growing

A master plan that evolves with technology master plan is crucial

7/26/2018

Fixing IoT — How to stop poking giant holes in our defenses

Healthcare only industry in which internal actors are the biggest threat to an organization

7/26/2018

Report says healthcare's biggest security threats come from inside

Healthcare only industry in which internal actors are the biggest threat to an organization

7/26/2018

Clean, safe linens crucial for healthcare facilities

Healthcare facilities use accredited services to provide clean linen

7/25/2018

Portable cooling can be crucial in emergency situations

Providing cooling for a facility — whether in an emergency or for a special event — means managers must do their homework

7/25/2018

USP overhauls nonsterile compounding rules

What healthcare and pharmacy executives need to know — and do — before July 31, 2018

7/25/2018

Patients at more risk for C. diff at moderately full healthcare facilities

Study recommends reviewing protocols that might change based on occupancy

7/24/2018

Hospital lockdowns can leave patients isolated

Security precautions can affect uninvolved patients, visitors

7/24/2018

California hospital installs solar-storage microgrid system

Renewable energy microgrids can reduce hospitals’ energy bills by as much as 50 percent

7/24/2018

Hospitals using 'smart' technology to improve treatment, finances

Ohio's Wexner Medical Center using the latest technology to boost efficiency

7/24/2018

Woman who gave birth in Japan photographs hospital meals

Meals look more than restaurant-worthy

7/24/2018

N.D. hospital treats tornado victims days after opening

Watford City's new healthcare facility opened its doors nine days before EF 2 tornado hit

7/23/2018

27 Hawaii hospitals join for disaster drill

Hospitals from six islands simulate response to disaster

7/23/2018

Hurricane spurs ED re-do at Houston hospital

During the storm, the department got used to having smaller space

7/23/2018

Four ways to protect healthcare organizations and staff against workplace violence

Healthcare organizations need to create a culture that focuses on the healing environment

7/23/2018

Mass notification is only one part of emergency communications

System must be integrated with other technologies to form a holistic emergency communications plan

7/23/2018

Report finds Washington hospital put patients, staff at risk

Recent federal inspection supports claims that staff members were punished for speaking out

7/20/2018

Healthcare executives prioritizing sustainable cost control

Survey says cost and consumerism top list of concerns

7/20/2018

Rise in dementia leads to new food service options

Program addresses residents' potential malnutrition issues

7/20/2018

Queens hospital armed security guards first in NYC

Last year’s fatal shooting at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center accelerated program

7/19/2018

Hospital fire makes list of heartbreaking moments in Illinois history

Fire at old St. Anthony Hospital in Effingham was judged the 8th most heartbreaking moment

7/19/2018

Hospital ER nurses wearing security alarms

Assaults against emergency department staff at Middlemore Hospital have increased

7/19/2018

Tips for buying AI-based cybersecurity tools

AI can help mitigate cybersecurity risks by automating tasks and expertise

7/19/2018

Hospital buildings still operating despite safety warnings

South Auckland health officials were warned 18 years ago that buildings were earthquake-prone

7/18/2018

Healthcare innovations need cybersecurity support

The Department of Health and Human Services is exploring how to spur innovation and investment in the healthcare sector

7/18/2018

Tackling healthcare cybersecurity challenges

Many chief information security officers aren’t even close to having the tools they need to deal with cyberattacks

7/17/2018

Hospital patients require better food service and it's improving bottom lines

Factors such as a general uptick in health conscious consumers have put food service on the front burner

7/17/2018

Johns Hopkins evacuated due to possible TB exposure

A small amount of the tuberculosis bacteria may have been released while being transported

7/16/2018

Energy upgrades could save NHS 260m pounds annually

New research says the NHS trusts spend around £500 million a year on energy

7/16/2018

Blackout interrupts surgery at the women’s and children’s hospital

Non-urgent ambulance arrivals were diverted to two other facilities and 13 elective surgeries were postponed

7/16/2018

Boosting healthcare facilities' cybersecurity

Cybersecurity spending increased by nearly $74 billion in 2016

7/16/2018

Report finds healthcare lagging in cybersecurity protocols

The healthcare industry is one of the lowest performing industries in terms of endpoint security

7/16/2018

Environmental decontamination key to infection control

Surfaces that are clean and adequately disinfected are also a legal requirement

7/13/2018

New energy facility at London hospital expected to save 6,000 tons of carbon a year

The project is also guaranteed to save the hospital £1m per year in energy bills

7/13/2018

Designing healthcare facilities to curb violence

If nothing else, EDs should be designed in such a way that security staff can cordon off the entrance and access to the rest of the facility

7/13/2018

Gatesville hospital reopens after explosion

Texas Fire Marshals finish on-site forensic examination of the Coryell Memorial Hospital

7/12/2018

The key to healthcare emergency management: Facility managers

The emergency manager’s ability to leverage facility management knowledge and expertise determines success or failure in an emergency response.

7/12/2018

Prevention is better than cure when dealing with cyber threats

Cybersecurity designed for corporate environments don't address the requirements of the healthcare industry

7/11/2018

Damage-free sign labels for hospitals and research labs can support safety efforts

Customizable sign labels for interim life safety measures – can be removed cleanly from most surfaces, reducing repair and repainting

7/11/2018

Building envelope considerations for sustainable healthcare

Using smart glass can reduce glare, solar heat gain and nocturnal light trespass

7/11/2018

Fla. senior care facilities working to comply with new generator law

New state law requires nursing homes and assisted living facilities to have generators that can power air conditioning systems

7/10/2018

Addressing energy waste in the HVAC system

Smart building controls enable managers and technicians to uncover and address energy waste

7/10/2018

Eight cybersecurity tools your healthcare facility needs today

Many companies are simply not investing enough in IT security, despite the obvious threats

7/10/2018

Energy innovative supports sustainable healthcare design

The focus on energy efficiency has created shift in how healthcare buildings are designed, built and operated

7/10/2018

Ohio healthcare facility announces five-year sustainability plan

The plan has a range of social, environmental and economic goals divided into eight categories

7/9/2018

Bosnian hospital awarded grant for energy efficiency

The Zenica Cantonal Hospital is the second largest polluter in the city after the local steelworks

7/9/2018

Focusing on health and wellness in sustainable healthcare facilities

Nutritional foods and nurturing outdoor spaces are important features in sustainable healthcare design and operation

7/9/2018

Eliminating ligature risks in healthcare settings

Patient suicide ranks among the top three sentinel events, according to The Joint Commission

7/9/2018

Health system moves food service beyond tray line

Diet clerks virtually track nutritionals as the patients place their order, guiding them through their options

7/9/2018

Cancer center to pay $4.3m for three data breaches

Breaches blamed on stolen laptop, thumb drives

7/6/2018

Survey suggests security cameras do make campuses safer

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

7/6/2018

Safety alert after NHS patients choke on hash browns and peas

Patients allegedly given foods like hash browns and peas when they should have been on a special diet

7/6/2018

Assisted living facility installs water-, cost-saving toilets

San Francisco-based facility was experiencing complaints from both tenants and maintenance staff alike regarding clogged toilets throughout the facility

7/6/2018

Eight cybersecurity tools your healthcare facility needs today

Many companies are simply not investing enough in IT security, despite the obvious threats

7/6/2018

Trump rule could stop public reporting of hospital infections

Under the new rule, the CMS Hospital Compare website won't show the infections or safety measures

7/5/2018

Hospital explosion linked to bled gas lines

Gas lines in the boiler room may have been bled

7/5/2018

Fighting environmental infection in long-term care facilities

Thorough facility-wide cleaning and disinfection is often the first line of defense

7/5/2018

Philadelphia hospital creates police drop-off lane for gunshot victims

Philadelphia is one of the few cities where police take stabbing and shooting victims to hospitals

7/3/2018

Check out this special supplement to Healthcare Facilities Today

Supplement includes stories on energy efficiency, lighting and infection control

7/3/2018

C. diff. cases fall 36 percent in Canada's hospitals

Improvements in infection-control measures, such as frequent hand-washing and more frequent, intense cleaning of hospital facilities in the last decade may have contributed

7/2/2018

Hand-washing monitor can help reduce hospital infections

Healthcare workers wear a badge that shows different lights that can let them know if their hands are properly sanitized

7/2/2018

Officers cleared in California hospital shooting

Officers fired six rounds at a man who shot through a glass door with a rifle and entered the hospital

7/2/2018

Is liquid soap safer than a bar?

The answer is no, according to a Q&A on The New York Times website

7/2/2018

Tips for hiring healthcare cybersecurity pros

Cybersecurity requires people from all backgrounds and majors

7/2/2018

Inspection reveals unsanitary conditions at Memphis VA

Soiled furniture and dirty air ducts where food is prepared were found

6/29/2018

Healthcare cyberthreat reports increasing

In the first six months of 2018, there were 154 breaches reported to the Office for Civil Rights

6/29/2018

New Lifestyle Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga adds engaging installations

How do you get a firetruck on to the 3rd floor of a hospital? Not through the elevator.

6/29/2018

Private firm hired to organize hospitals' patient move

New Sydney hospital 'more like a hotel'

6/29/2018

Water tank reports at many NYC hospitals show serious issues

Rust, muck and pigeons cited at facilities

6/28/2018

Fewer hospitals report zero infections

More than 30 percent of hospitals reported no MRSA infections in 2016, compared with about 15 percent in 2017

6/28/2018

Most healthcare facility infection control practitioners doubt their laundry systems

Seventy-two percent say would not wipe their drinking glass with a freshly laundered hospital mopping pad or wipe

6/28/2018

Inmate climbs through Alabama hospital ceiling to escape

Inmate was taken to the hospital after he claimed to have swallowed a razor blade

6/27/2018

Threatening incident at birthing center renews security concerns

Though a nurse felt threatened by a visitor, no one activated an emergency alert that triggers a hospital-wide response

6/27/2018

Flooding damage affects communication systems at Rockford hospital

The main pharmacy was also damaged

6/27/2018

Check out this special supplement to Healthcare Facilities Today

Supplement includes stories on energy efficiency, bathrooms and security

6/27/2018

Missouri hospitals built to withstand tornadoes

Healthcare system says it has toughened safety requirements for construction

6/26/2018

Study finds better IT security doesn’t deter cyberattacks

Institutional factors found to play the biggest role

6/26/2018

Chattanooga healthcare facilities ready for Ebola possibility

Staying abreast of what's happening in the world to know what could potentially come into the hospital is key

6/25/2018

Healthcare facility renovation addresses patient experience

The hospital had begun sorting waste at a third site

6/25/2018

Slashing energy consumption

Infographic illustrates nine ways healthcare facilities can be more energy efficient

6/25/2018

Combating workplace violence

RWJBarnabas Health is taking a stand against workplace violence at its hospitals and clinics

6/25/2018

Healthcare data breach: What to know about them and what to do after one

Three steps you can take to protect yourself and minimize the damage

6/25/2018

Hospital says CMS star rating system has been wrong for two years

Rush University Medical Center found that instead of evenly weighting the eight measures in the safety of care group, the ratings formula relied heavily on one measure

6/22/2018

Managing medical records: A guide for facilities and providers

Document management technologies can adjoin these competing philosophies and practices for the better, especially as it pertains to managing medical records

6/22/2018

Wisconsin healthcare provider opening cafeteria for free summer meals for kids

Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse is serving noon meals to kids who play in area parks

6/22/2018

Leapfrog opposes CMS roll back of quality reporting measures

Leapfrog says removing the measures from IQR will hurt patient transparency

6/22/2018

Arizona woman claims she found bed bugs in daughter's hospital room

The daughter is being treated at Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa

6/22/2018

Canadian province scraps plan to privatize hospital food services

Instead, task force to recommend how to make food services more efficient

6/21/2018

FCC rate review holding up subsidies to rural healthcare facilities internet bills

The rate review came after the $400 million dollars for rural health care programs across the country ran out

6/21/2018

NFPA offers a risk assessment checklist for active shooter situations

Guidance includes tips on information officials should be gathering during building risk assessments

6/21/2018

Avoiding the hidden costs of environmental services staff injuries

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

6/21/2018

Terminal cleaning checklist systems only as good as the list

When executing the terminal cleaning of hospital rooms, a checklist is a standard tool to guide the cleaning staff

6/21/2018

How to play a role in greening your facility

Designed to eliminate improper management, USP <800> provides standards for the safe handling of hazardous drugs to minimize the risk of exposure to healthcare personnel, patients and the environment.

6/21/2018