Facility Operations
Escalating workplace violence hits hospitals hard
Many healthcare facilities are increasing security measures to deal with the issue
11/18/2019
Legionella found in Va. VA healthcare facility
McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center found bacteria in cooling system
11/15/2019
Disinfectants struggling to kill C. diff bacteria
Clostridioides difficile is challenging hospital-grade disinfectants
11/15/2019
Workplace violence training program focuses on healthcare settings
Program focuses on de-escalation and addressing four stages of crises
11/15/2019
K9 units becoming more common in healthcare facilities
Combating violence is just one role for the trained dogs
11/14/2019
Brooklyn Hospital Center permanently loses some patient data after ransomeware attack
It's been six months since a veteran and double amputee opened fire inside the West Palm Beach VA Center
11/14/2019
Employees concerned about flooding inside Washington state hospital
One employee described human feces falling from the ceiling
11/14/2019
Environmental services' role goes beyond cleanliness
EVS professionals can impact patient satisfaction
11/14/2019
VA Medical Center increases security, but won't add metal detectors, after shooting
The changes were implemented within six months of an incident where a veteran and double amputee opened fire inside the West Palm Beach VA Center
11/14/2019
Hospital links babies' deaths to bacteria in equipment
Geisinger says equipment was used in measuring donor breast milk
11/13/2019
Listeria outbreak at healthcare facility linked 'ineffective fridges'
A cancer patient died after eating a pre-packed sandwich while he was being treated at Royal Derby Hospital
11/13/2019
Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Sterile processing room
Brad Keyes discusses regulations for sterile processing room
11/13/2019
Stanford Hospital will have a fleet of supply-delivering robots
Twenty-three of the robots will deliver linens, packages and medical supplies
11/13/2019
Strategies for sustainable grounds
Key sustainability considerations can enable managers to improve the performance and appearance of landscapes
11/13/2019
Drug-resistant bacteria 'growing problem' in Western Washington healthcare facilities
Four cases of a specific type of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii were recently found at a nursing rehabilitation facility
11/12/2019
Readiness matters with new CMS emergency preparedness requirements
The intent is still to establish criteria for healthcare providers and suppliers to better prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters.
11/12/2019
Lighting controls upgrade guidelines
Focusing on control strategies, space needs and planning principles can help managers create successful installations
11/12/2019
Tech can help healthcare facilities guard against disaster
Keeping health IT systems up and running is critical
11/12/2019
California hospital resumes services for elective procedures after wildfire
The hospital reopened Nov. 5 for full inpatient and emergency care services after having been evacuated for nine days
11/11/2019
Survey: Healthcare facilities not keeping up with hackers
96 percent of IT professionals say data attackers are outpacing healthcare facilities in effectiveness
11/11/2019
Tips for medical device cybersecurity
Device cybersecurity called the biggest challenge hospitals face today
11/11/2019
Some suicide-prevention measures may not increase hospital safety
These measures can cost millions of dollars to implement
11/8/2019
Where patients recover may affect whether they return to the hospital because of infections
Patients returning home from the hospital were 38 percent more likely to return to the hospital with a linked infection
11/8/2019
CDC reports decrease in HAIs
Compared to 2015, all states but one performed better on at least two infection types
11/8/2019
Medical evacuees called the new refugees of climate change
Wildfire evacuation everyday reality in Northern California
11/8/2019
Steps for effective emergency preparedness
Make sure your risk assessment and scenario planning are up to date and accurate
11/8/2019
Research finds epidemic and pandemic preparedness lacking
Study suggests national governments should commit to take action to address health security risks
11/7/2019
Facility fee adding to cost of doctor visits
The purpose of the facility fee is to compensate hospitals and some medical practices for the expense of maintaining the facility
11/7/2019
Steps for updating the access control system
Build your team, evaluate possible integration with current systems and select the right product for your building
11/7/2019
State inspects hospital odor after employee complaint
Seventeen employees sought medical attention
11/7/2019
Balancing security and access in healthcare facilities
Certain challenges are unique to healthcare facilities
11/7/2019
Cybersecurity not just a technology problem
Continual education and reinforcement of staff is key
11/6/2019
Omnichannel communication: The frontier healthcare meeds to target
For digital channels of communications to thrive and boost member experience, payers must work on developing omnichannel capabilities
11/6/2019
The future of violence response and emergency preparedness in healthcare
Several healthcare organizations have published information to assist security directors
11/6/2019
Wildfires, power outages impact on healthcare in California called unprecedented
PG&E set up utility-scale generators at one of its utility substations in the Grass Valley area, creating a 'continuity zone' that is supplying electricity to 3,800 customers
11/5/2019
Study: Too many seniors are back in hospital for infections treated during initial stay
The most common type of pre-existing infection in the patients was C. difficile
11/5/2019
Keeping medical devices, services and data safe from cyberattacks
The cost of inaction, starting with something as obvious as email security, can be steep for healthcare organizations
11/5/2019
Uber to integrate with an EHR system for U.S. providers
A patient’s information, including name, phone number and pick-up address, will auto-populate in Uber ride requests
11/5/2019
Keeping UPS and generators prepared for emergencies
Testing, maintenance and monitoring help standby systems support operations in a crisis
11/5/2019
Creating a healthcare facility emergency plan
Emergency departments must develop disaster preparedness plans that go beyond natural disasters and utility failures, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
11/5/2019
Sensors help healthcare facilities keep track of hand hygiene
The system compiles data on whether an employee cleans their hands within 60 seconds of entering a room
11/4/2019
Study: Contact precautions in VA facilities don't curb MRSA
New study evaluated admissions from 74 longterm-care facilities
11/4/2019
Nurses want more security at Maine hospital after assaults
The nurses allege there has been no security presence at the hospital to assist nurses
11/4/2019
Going green can save healthcare facilities millions
Analysis estimated that hospitals in the United States create just under 34 pounds of waste per staffed bed per day
11/4/2019
The importance of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
Because of this, healthcare facility infrastructures, maintenance machines and computer systems work overtime to accommodate all members within the organization
11/4/2019
Three trending security technologies
Drones, robots and advanced access control changing facilities management
11/4/2019
Cleaning plant shutdown could lead to surgical tool shortage
Several sterilization facilities that use ethylene oxide were shut down.
11/1/2019
CDC: Flu activity low, but growing
Louisiana and Puerto Rico experienced high flu-like illness activity for the week ending Oct. 19
11/1/2019
D.C.'s St. Elizabeths Hospital gets clean water after 28 days
On September 26, a routine water test showed pseudomonas and legionella bacteria in the water supply
10/31/2019
Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville reports case of Legionnaires' disease
Mayo is conducting water testing and efforts are underway to reduce the potential for exposure
10/31/2019
California’s blackouts reveal healthcare’s fragile power system
How do you provide care without electricity?
10/31/2019
Chicago nursing home security catches 'ghost' on security camera
Guard posts footage on Facebook, where it has racked up more than 2.5 million views
10/31/2019
First Leapfrog ratings of outpatient facilities finds issues
Less than 1 percent of ASCs and 6 percent of HOPDs have implemented an electronic compliance monitoring system for hand hygiene
10/30/2019
Research: Washing hands best way to stop E. coli
New research confirms that failing to wash hands is behind much of the spread of the superbug
10/30/2019
Net-metering officials financial benefits for solar
The best way to make solar financially feasible is with new utility net-metering programs
10/30/2019
Interior design choices can support infection prevention
Style must be balanced with ease of cleaning
10/30/2019
Va. hospital using UV lights in NICU to prevent infections
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital is using a UV light box to disinfect germ-infested items
10/29/2019
Department of Defense explores AI-enabled infection control
The technology examines vital signs and other biomarkers to predict the likelihood of infection
10/29/2019
Cool walls can help whole-building energy efficiency
When building wall systems also have high reflectivity and emissivity, the result is a much more efficient building overall
10/29/2019
Music's power to improve waiting room experience studied
Naval pilots concept uses music and nature to soothe
10/29/2019
S.C. children's hospital designed to withstand hurricane, earthquake at same time
The new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital may be the safest building on the East Coast
10/28/2019
Sweden Ebola scare shows preparedness is vital
Incident a reminder to healthcare facilities to conduct an internal audit to evaluate training and process mapping
10/28/2019
How Kansas City hospitals prepare to help the injured after a mass shooting
The Mid-American Regional Council has worked on mass casualty incident plans since the 1970s
10/28/2019
California blackouts shine light on healthcare system's vulnerability
Healthcare today is built on the assumption of steady power
10/25/2019
D.C. hospital goes 4 weeks without running water after failed bacteria treatment
The psychiatric hospital shut off its water Sept. 26
10/25/2019
Choosing security systems for assisted living facilities
Understanding the preferences of a technology’s end-users is key to a successful security systems
10/25/2019
Pa. healthcare facility adds calming live music to common areas
New arts department created a variety of art and music therapies at the hospital
10/25/2019
Dry indoor air linked to higher infection rates
When air is dry, droplets and skin flakes carrying viruses and bacteria travel through the air
10/24/2019
Transmission bacteria linked to hospital sink drain
Two patients with NDM-1 Klebsiella pneumoniae had stayed in the same room
10/24/2019
Healthcare urged to address climate change issues
Climate change is not an imperceptible environmental process, but a bona fide public health crisis in the making
10/24/2019
Standards and certifications can support sustainable ice melt choices
Third-party certifications for the EPA and Green Seal can help FMs narrow choices down to products that meet specific sustainability criteria
10/24/2019
Legionella found at Las Vegas psychiatric hospital
Water was turned off after bacteria was detected
10/23/2019
Hospitals are taking a more proactive approach to managing critical events
Healthcare facilities are working toward high resilience, safeguarding the continuity of services and ensuring the best patient outcomes
10/23/2019
Mich. healthcare facility still has Legionella in water
The water-use restrictions remain in place and another round of testing is planned
10/23/2019
Before flu season is a good time to review infection control procedures
When it comes to treating contagious and easily transmissible diseases healthcare providers are the first line of defense
10/22/2019
Patient burned in fire at Mich. ER
Fire investigators are looking into the incident and have listed it as suspicious
10/22/2019
New Jersey hospital addresses workplace violence with weapons screening
Virtua Camden emergency department also uses an amnesty box and signage
10/22/2019
Some VA healthcare centers told to improve cleanliness
Inspectors looked at 51 randomly selected VA health facilities across the country
10/22/2019
10 reasons why stainless steel products are the best choice for healthcare design teams and facility managers
Stainless steel products provide many functional and health benefits.
10/22/2019
Delivery drones may be becoming more common for hospitals
Federal regulators may be growing more comfortable with moving medical and commercial drone delivery
10/21/2019
Oregon hospital planning for resiliency
The hospital has considered a variety of methods for resilient alternative power
10/21/2019
Five-step roadmap to get healthcare disruption just right
Disruption in healthcare is something that we need, and to win at it, organizations need to move quickly to initiate changes and embrace new developments
10/21/2019
Swedish hospital reports patient showing signs of Ebola
The hospital has launched an investigation and isolated patient
10/18/2019
Exploring biggest maintenance challenges healthcare facilities
The focus of the maintenance team should be on creating an environment that continuously supports the best delivery of each of these priorities
10/18/2019
New Hawaiian hospital to have almost 500 security cameras
A new building for the state’s only psychiatric hospital is currently under construction
10/18/2019
California hospitals powered by generators during power outages
A total of 248 hospitals were located in areas where power was turned off
10/18/2019
California wildfires force four Kaiser Permanente hospitals to operate on generators
An outbreak of wildfires in the state prompted Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to shut down power in some areas
10/17/2019
California wildfires can threaten community health
Wildfires increase the risk of respiratory distress, chronic disease and other ailments.
10/17/2019
Cool roofs can promote energy savings
By reflecting heat, and emitting absorbed heat, they keep building cooling costs lower
10/17/2019
The benefits of patient entertainment systems
Modern patient entertainment systems are a great way of putting patients first
10/17/2019
Flies a problem again in N.H. VA operating rooms
The Manchester (N.H.) VA Medical Center says three operating rooms have been closed out of an abundance of caution
10/16/2019
Thousands of building problems found at unusable Edinburgh hospital
The Sick Kids facility in Edinburgh will not be fully operational until next fall after last-minute safety concerns
10/16/2019
Selecting a high-performance HVAC system
Selecting HVAC means meeting the needs of a facility efficiently and effectively now and into the future
10/16/2019
DC hospital goes three week without running water
Contractors flushed the hospital's water system with chlorine
10/15/2019
Virginia VA hospital lost track of $1.8 million of equipment, supplies
They were in an unmarked second-floor storage room and a warehouse basement
10/15/2019
Water efficiency can boost facility resilience
As building owners and facility managers plan and prioritize capital improvements, resilience during extreme weather, power interruptions, and other events has become a priority
10/15/2019
C. auris outbreak spreads in nine Calif. healthcare facilities
A single introduction at a healthcare facility in southern California led to more than 180 colonized patients
10/15/2019
EPA developing a new strategy for testing hospital disinfectants
The APEP will replace the Antimicrobial Testing Program
10/15/2019
Patient at Michigan hospital diagnosed with Legionnaires'
Beaumont Hospital is providing bottled water and continues water testing
10/14/2019
Developing a comprehensive utility-failure plan
The partnership between a facilities/engineering staff and the emergency management staff is critical
10/14/2019
Fire protection program essentials include education
Precautions, education and protection can help keep facilities safe
10/14/2019
3 Alabama hospitals freeze admissions after ransomware attack
The hospitals are working with federal authorities and its IT staff, vendors and consultants to restore its system
10/11/2019
Healthcare facilities cybersecurity risks complex
Nonprofit hospitals face greater risks from cyberattacks than any other sector
10/11/2019
Michigan State University finds Legionella in diagnostic lab
Levels of Legionella bacteria were detected in a cooling tower at the university’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
10/11/2019
3 infants dead after bacterial infection at Pa. hospital
The hospital said all of the babies had been born prematurely
10/10/2019
Pseudomonas and legionella bacteria found in D.C. hospital water
Hospital expected to be without potable water for at least a week
10/10/2019
Man shoots stepdaughter, self in Illinois hospital parking lot
Elmhurst Hospital was placed on lockdown as a precaution
10/10/2019
San Francisco hospital cuts food waste with on-demand service
Hospitals waste two to three times more than other food service sectors
10/10/2019
Nursing home kitchens alleged in 'horrible' condition
An investigation found food safety problems
10/9/2019
Developing career opportunities for EVS can improve department
Environmental services is the first line of defense against infection
10/9/2019
Is solar power a good Investment for your building?
Solar is making more sense on both owned and leased buildings
10/9/2019
Many healthcare facilities are developing command centers
Examining and tracking tens of millions of data points, pieces of equipment and people is a great challenge, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
10/8/2019
VA Medical Center increases security, but won't add metal detectors, after shooting
It's been six months since a veteran and double amputee opened fire inside the West Palm Beach VA Center
10/8/2019
Singapore healthcare facilities work to protect patients from haze
Some ventilation systems are fitted with HEPA filters
10/8/2019
California hospital resumes elective surgeries after mold issues
Mold was discovered in a room used to sterilize surgical equipment
10/7/2019
After active shooter, hospital develops emergency communication network
The hospital is implementing a communications platform that connects staff throughout the facility
10/7/2019
Uberization of healthcare: Data activation to bring the future of healthcare today
Uber shook the industry up with its core value of promoting consumer-centricity
10/7/2019
Managing hospital visitors with video intercoms and visitor management systems
Current security-industry best practices call for a combination of video intercoms and visitor management systems
10/4/2019
Norovirus outbreak highlights infection control challenges
Researchers stress importance of strict infection control measures
10/4/2019
Los Angeles hospital halts surgeries because of mold
Hospital will be unable to perform surgery and many other medical procedures for an estimated two weeks
10/3/2019
California's ingredient transparency law may lead to safer cleaners
New law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020
10/3/2019
Infographic: Controlling HAIs
CDC's recent report on HAIs emphasizes the need to “develop a new normal” when the rate HAIs is limited and unusual
10/3/2019
Study: Hand-washing better at killing flu than sanitizer
Hand-washing is better even without soap
10/3/2019
Facilities department has a role in lean management
Implementing continuous improvement, standardization can benefit maintenance and engineering
10/3/2019
Parking a crucial part of patient experience
Healthcare administrators can be challenged when it comes to providing their customers and employees with adequate, efficient parking, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
10/3/2019
Proposed Wisconsin bill would increase penalties for assaults on nurses
The current penalty for assaulting a nurse is a fine of up to $10,000, up to nine months in jail, or both.
10/2/2019
More engaged healthcare foodservice workers don't lead to more satisfied patients
Research finds employee engagement doesn’t have a significant impact on patient satisfaction or turnover
10/2/2019
Infection control issues seen at ambulatory surgery centers
After an OIG report, 77 percent of ambulatory surgery centers had at least one violation, and 25 percent of them had serious deficiencies
10/2/2019
Stem cells destroyed after freezer fails at Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Fifty-six patients, some with cancer, lost stem cells
10/1/2019
IoT leverages existing systems to effect operating efficiencies
Actionable data drives value across organizations
10/1/2019
VA regional director on leave after dying Georgia veteran found covered in ant bites
VA announced a series of changes at the assisted-living facility
9/30/2019
Survey: Campuses embracing access control, lockdown solutions
Nine in 10 respondents say they have adopted new or improved lockdown/shelter-in-place policies and procedures
9/30/2019
Vermont hospital uses trailer as temporary laundry solution
Copley Hospital searching for a new healthcare linen vendor
9/30/2019
Cost of data breaches most in healthcare industry
Data breaches in healthcare sector almost double that of the global average
9/30/2019
Plastic piping can offer savings, flexibility
A range options for new construction and renovation offer flexibility, cost efficiency and easy installation
9/30/2019
Montreal hospital to spend $4.5 million on security upgrades
A range options for new construction and renovation offer flexibility, cost efficiency and easy installation
9/30/2019
WHO raises concerns over possible unreported Ebola cases in Tanzania
Tanzania has not shared ebola tests so they can be validated at an outside laboratory
9/27/2019
Bahamas clinic loses staff, power and water — stays open
A massive generator was eventually delivered by the Dutch navy
9/27/2019
Report: Children's hospital's cabling could trigger fire
The issue comes after claims that the hospital had serious drainage and ventilation problems
9/27/2019
Kaiser Permanente earns EPA green energy award
The award recognizes a renewable energy agreement that will enable the system to become carbon neutral in 2020
9/27/2019
Tips for medical device cybersecurity
Device cybersecurity called the biggest challenge hospitals face today
9/27/2019
N.Y. hospital restricts access due to bedbugs
Glens Falls Hospital restricts Cancer Center's outpatient area
9/26/2019
Plumbing strategies to reduce HAIs
Bacteria lurking in the plumbing pipes and fixtures can contribute to HAIs
9/26/2019
Environmental service department leaders urged to embrace change
Change and innovation are at the forefront in healthcare
9/26/2019
Should facility laundries 'own' infection prevention textiles?
Infection prevention microfiber textile products should no longer be purchased and owned by environmental services, article says
9/25/2019
Outsourcing: Going from 'housekeeping' to 'environmental services'
Professional environmental services make a science of cleaning
9/25/2019
Some Ga. hospitals replace color-based emergency codes with plain language
The use of plain language emergency alerts is recommended by federal agencies
9/25/2019
What should be included in a networked lighting controls system?
The anatomy of an advanced lighting controls system can seem tricky
9/25/2019
What should be included in a networked lighting controls system?
The anatomy of an advanced lighting controls system can seem tricky
9/25/2019
Hospitals urged to cooperate to beat hackers
Security frameworks and threat intelligence sharing already exist
9/25/2019
Wyoming hospital cuts services because of hacker attack
Campbell County Memorial Hospital, a 90-bed hospital was still operating
9/24/2019
Technology helps makes Stanford Hospital safer, more efficient
New facilities features lots of high-tech, but some older systems still remain
9/24/2019
Laundry operations need to balance caregiving, cleanliness, costs
Choosing equipment depends on a variety of factors
9/24/2019
U of Chicago moved patients before nursing strike
Pediatric patients in the ICU were moved to other hospitals
9/23/2019
Candida auris found at Brooklyn nursing home
There have been 881 confirmed cases in N.Y. with nearly 200 deaths
9/23/2019
Climate control efforts can support healthy environment during healthcare construction
Mold, microbes and other airborne particles can be introduced into the environment
9/23/2019
The ups and downs of elevator services: A primer on contract negotiations
With the right contract negotiation strategies—and thorough knowledge of the elevator industry—hospitals can maintain high-quality elevator service and save money
9/23/2019
4 more Legionnaires' cases at Illinois senior facility
There are now 12 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported at Batavia facility
9/20/2019
Ant infestation at Georgia veterans facility is being investigated
Lawmakers want to know why Veterans Affairs officials did not react more quickly
9/20/2019
80,000+ Kaiser workers may strike in October
Housekeepers are among the jobs affected by the picket lines
9/20/2019
Innovation, automation and a 21st Century end-user experience: Aligning expectations with reality
It is incumbent upon IT partners to narrow the gap that exists between reality and expectations
9/20/2019
Focusing on bond prevention is one sustainable snow strategy
Implementing best practices when using deicers can help keep surfaces clear
9/20/2019
Deadly fungus must spur big changes in infection control
Expert says the best way to prepare for Candida auris is to really examine the culture around infection control in the nursing home
9/20/2019
Nursing homes feeding Candida Auris
Cleaning up America's nursing homes should be a priority
9/19/2019
Hospital employee killed after Ohio man crashes truck into ER
The medical center was closed due to structural damage
9/19/2019
Healthcare delivered in a damaged hospital, field hospitals and pop-up clinics in the Bahamas
It was estimated that 90% of equipment and supplies – and all the hospital beds – in Rand Memorial Hospital on Grand Bahama Island were damaged
9/19/2019
California hospital disaster planning conference dealing with new normal
What were once rare or infrequent events have now become regular occurrences in California
9/19/2019
Cybersecurity still possible on a tight budget
A good information security plan can be affordable
9/19/2019
No injuries after tornado hits South Dakota hospital
Dozens of buildings were damaged or destroyed, trees torn up and power lines downed
9/18/2019
N.J. hospital administrator charged with bringing gun onto grounds without permission
The incident occurred during an 18-month reform plan instituted after an outside consultant found widespread problems at New Jersey's psychiatric hospitals
9/18/2019
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