Facility Operations

Vermont healthcare facility reopening operating rooms after mysterious odor

Staff have installed carbon monoxide detectors and air sampling canisters in the buildings, and employees will wear detectors

1/21/2020

Ohio bill would allow cameras inside nursing home rooms

There is currently no law in Ohio against using private cameras inside a nursing home, but it's up to the nursing home to allow it

1/21/2020

Vail Health addresses surgical smoke concerns

Colorado Legislature passed a law stating that by May 1, 2021, healthcare facilities in the state must implement policies to prevent human exposure to surgical smoke

1/21/2020

Creating a secure building automation system

It is common for organizations to create a BAS and then more or less forget about it

1/21/2020

Dealing with the problem of dirty sinks

How clean can your washed hands really be if the sink is contaminated?

1/21/2020

Adopting EVS cleaning practices in skilled nursing facilities

The presence of more higher-acuity patients has led to greater danger from infections

1/20/2020

Probe: Hospital used OR without HEPA filter when infant got sick

Other operating rooms at the hospital had HEPA filters

1/20/2020

Chicago-area hospitals using tracking technology to monitor hand hygiene

Healthcare providers only wash or sanitize their hands only about half as much as they should

1/20/2020

The prescription for a healthy JCAHO audit

A robust, prescriptive EAM system is needed to avoid surprises and support a facility’s ongoing success

1/20/2020

Planning and budgeting key to sustainable HVAC

Step one in achieving sustainable HVAC design is organizational buy-in

1/20/2020

Best practices for cleaning, disinfection

Cleaning, disinfecting critical to prevention of hospital-acquired infections

1/20/2020

Seattle Children’s Hospital's mold issues spur class-action suit

Suit alleged hospital engaged in a coverup of problems

1/17/2020

CDC: Flu case total nears 10 million

The flu has already killed 4,800 this season

1/17/2020

Woman robbed, kidnapped from Louisiana hospital parking lot

Christus Shreveport-Bossier Health System said it will evaluate the safety of all of its campuses

1/17/2020

Presence of pan-resistant C. auris growing in New York

A total of 427 of 911 nationwide confirmed cases are found in New York

1/17/2020

Threats that could threaten disrupt security

Facilities managers must have resilience and security strategies to deal with disruptive new technologies

1/17/2020

Steps for effective emergency preparedness

Make sure your risk assessment and scenario planning are up to date and accurate

1/17/2020

Science teacher's experiment illustrates need for hand hygiene

Soap and water had positive results

1/16/2020

HVAC issues stall surgeries at Mo. hospital

Pinnacle Regional Hospital’s sterilization room didn’t have the right pressure, temperature and humidity

1/16/2020

Report says VHA spent $4 billion on new facilities with little oversight

The VHA supplies new medical facilities with startup funds for new staff, furniture, equipment, etc.

1/16/2020

A guide to winter roofing care

Roofs that are not properly cared for during the winter will bring unpleasant surprises when the weather warms.

1/16/2020

Door selection can impact infection control

Touchless doors can help stop the spread of germs and bacteria

1/16/2020

Pa. hospital criticized for 'systemic' failures

An investigation found unsanitary equipment, dirty linens on the floors

1/15/2020

Study: ICU patients’ hands carry pathogens

Hand hygiene important for patients as well as healthcare workers

1/15/2020

Choosing the right photo ID printer

There are many card printers on the market

1/15/2020

Tips for life-safety and emergency prep in longterm care facilities

Start by looking at all possible risks

1/15/2020

‘Recent world events’ spark increased security at federal healthcare center

The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago has closed all entrances except the main gate

1/14/2020

Detroit hospital gets bomb, shooting threats

Police say a psychiatric patient at the hospital made the calls

1/14/2020

Pa. hospital where preemies died didn’t sanitize breast milk equipment

State health department ordered Geisinger Medical Center in Danville to correct several deficiencies

1/14/2020

Missouri hospital ordered to stop performing surgery

Regulators conducted an inspection at Pinnacle Regional Hospital and cited it for sterile processing procedures

1/14/2020

The growing demand for transparency in all building spaces

To meet efficiency, optimization and carbon management goals, all the pieces of the puzzle must be considered

1/14/2020

Five hospitals' mold issues making headlines

A number of healthcare facilities have detected molds in their facilities over the past year

1/14/2020

Quake in Puerto Rico causes structural, power issues, but hospitals functional in hard-hit region

Earthquake killed at least one person and causing a power outage across the island

1/13/2020

Pediatric flu death toll highest in 17 years

CDC says 27 pediatric deaths have occurred so far this season

1/13/2020

The benefits of going paperless

The Raleigh General Hospital HR team decided they didn’t want to simply copy their current paper format. Rather, they decided to redesign how the files should be organized, not simply importing files as they were.

1/13/2020

Kaiser Permanente prepares for disasters based on experience

This year’s evacuation during a wildfire demonstrated significant improvements over previous efforts

1/13/2020

Selecting a photo ID system

Photo identification cards are an important part of healthcare facility security plan

1/13/2020

Study finds air quality can impact effectiveness of antibiotics

Bacteria that cause respiratory infections can be affected by air pollution

1/13/2020

Hospital installs hydroponic farm in cafeteria

The healthcare system is looking to install an additional farm at the hospital as well as one at its cancer center

1/10/2020

Strain B influenza appearing earlier than usual this flu season

Strain A usually occurs around late December and early January

1/10/2020

Geothermal delivers savings

Investment in geothermal technology drives its energy efficiency to the top of the list

1/10/2020

Preparing healthcare facilities for a disaster

Hospitals must maintain continuity of patient care

1/10/2020

Case of Legionnaires' Disease reported at Illinois Veterans Home

The facility is reviewing water quality data

1/9/2020

Infection control issues temporarily shut down Utah hospital's operating room

A health department report said the hospital failed to provide a sanitary environment

1/9/2020

Safety trends from the last 10 years

Campus safety and security have evolved

1/9/2020

Twin Cities Hospital offers infant footprint scans

Hospital officials say its better to take a scan of a footprint because fingerprints aren't as refined initially

1/9/2020

Cancer center embraces proactive maintenance

MD Anderson Cancer Center's facility renewal program takes maintenance from reactive to proactive

1/9/2020

Dry indoor air linked to higher infection rates

When air is dry, droplets and skin flakes carrying viruses and bacteria travel through the air

1/9/2020

U.S. flu season on pace to surpass 2017-18

The 2017-18 season was the worst in decades

1/8/2020

Data shows hundreds of Aspergillus infections at Wash. hospitals

Hospitals say they’re not the source

1/8/2020

The more cybersecurity changes, the more it stays the same

It is time for an evolution in cybersecurity that focuses on adversary disruption

1/8/2020

Air quality's role in infection prevention can be overlooked

Having the right tools to communicate the importance of temperature and humidity is important

1/8/2020

Ebola protection program expiring

The program supports efforts to quickly identify and isolate infected people

1/7/2020

Study tracks MRSA and S aureus in nursing homes

The presence of S aureus was 28.6 percent and of MRSA and MSSA, 20.1 percent

1/7/2020

CDC says US Candida auris cases rose by 100 in two months

The number of infections increased by 105 from Aug. to Oct.

1/7/2020

Study says patients often bring C. Diff in with them

The study suggested hospitals should try to identify carriers of C. diff to prevent the spread on infection

1/7/2020

Hospital security cameras can promote safety

Cloud-based security systems can provide pictures of each person entering and exiting a facility

1/7/2020

When disaster strikes, FEMA money is available to hospitals that file quickly

Hospitals often don't file for the funds because they're unaware of what can be reimbursed and there is only a 30-day window to apply

1/7/2020

Flu cases reach 4.6 million

2,100 deaths reported

1/6/2020

VA ends hospital star ratings system

The system allowed veterans to compare quality and performance at VA facilities

1/6/2020

Study links psychological safety, infection prevention efforts

Thirty-eight percent of responding hospitals had high levels of psychological safety

1/6/2020

Healthcare moving toward paperless systems

Roughly 40 percent of data breaches are paper-based

1/6/2020

Card-operated lock systems becoming more popular

Flexibility is the primary benefit of this system

1/6/2020

How to handle a major HVAC upgrade

Following plan can help ensure upgrade isn't disruptive to regular operations

1/6/2020

3.7 million flu cases reported by mid December

The CDC says there have 32,000 hospitalizations and 1,800 deaths

1/3/2020

Keeping hospitals safe by design

Designers have an opportunity for hospitals to increase safety through intentional and comprehensive design and facility planning, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

1/3/2020

Joint Commission clarifies ligature risk requirements

In a new blog post on it's website, The Joint Commission clarified its new ligature risk requirements regarding common patient room items and fixtures

1/3/2020

New Ohio bill would allow surveillance cameras in nursing home resident rooms

There has been pushback in the past about whether surveillance cameras are a violation of patient privacy

1/3/2020

Operating room material choices must address infection control needs

Materials and finishes in the OR—particularly walls and flooring—are an important part of creating a safe environment, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

1/3/2020

Survey links psychological safety and infection prevention practices

Psychological safety refers to the shared belief that team members are safe when speaking up or making mistakes

1/2/2020

Location technology: The next investment for healthcare

Location-based security technology is a win for both staff and patients.

1/2/2020

Greener healthcare facilities can impact climate change

Changes in the industry can play a major role in addressing the climate crisis

1/2/2020

Healthcare on Cloud Nine: Top 8 benefits of healthcare-cloud merger

The cloud will be central to future digital transformations in healthcare

1/2/2020

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.

1/2/2020

Deaths could have been avoided at Glasgow hospital if staff had flushed out the taps, expert says

Nobody knew whose job it was to ensure taps, baths and shower heads were flushed at least once a day

12/30/2019

Mechanical systems in the healthcare environment — pipe and performance considerations

The insulation wrapping these systems plays an integral role in ensuring optimal performance of a building’s mechanical systems

12/30/2019

Achieving reliable power with microgrids

Microgrids take advantage of the IIoT to make energy choices based on capabilities like forecasting weather and load optimization

12/30/2019

Atlanta hospital gets 30-bed mobile unit a state of emergency declared

The emergency declaration allows the state to use Georgia Emergency Management Agency funding to bring the mobile unit

12/30/2019

Vermont operating rooms will remain closed through January because of odors

The University of Vermont Medical Center continues to investigate the cause of mysterious odors

12/27/2019

FDA approves first fully disposable duodenoscope

Use it once and then toss it out

12/27/2019

Eco-friendly strategies for healthcare facilities

Healthcare industry can identify areas to reduce environmental impact

12/27/2019

Why firewalls and anti-virus software are no longer enough to protect your network

As cybercriminals become more adept and increasingly target healthcare facility networks, it is more crucial than ever before to ensure your cybersecurity defenses are up-to-date and tested regularly

12/27/2019

Lighting strategies are evolving for senior living environments.

New technology and resident quality of life are two factors driving the change, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website

12/27/2019

Music's power to improve waiting room experience studied

Naval pilots concept uses music and nature to soothe

12/27/2019

3 Legionnaires' cases may be linked to Illinois hospital

The hospital has flushed its plumbing system

12/26/2019

Cyber attack stops radiation treatments at Oahu facilities

The company has reported the incident to the FBI and is working with a private computer forensics firm to investigate

12/26/2019

Dangerous bacteria can survive disinfectant

Study suggests that UV light is an option for disinfecting, but it can be challenging to make sure all surfaces are fully exposed to the light

12/26/2019

Wis. hospital tap water contaminates lab specimens

Mycobacterium porcinum came from ice machines and water dispenser in ICU

12/23/2019

While active shooters at healthcare facility are rare, preparation is still key

Pharmacists in these facilities need to know how to respond

12/23/2019

Cleaning's role in public health requires specific protocols

Cleaning and disinfecting must be done in two steps

12/23/2019

London Hospital allows horse to visit patient before Christmas

Horse's box was parked in an ambulance bay and the horse rode the elevator up 13 floors

12/23/2019

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

12/23/2019

Ga. governor declares state of emergency after hospital flooding

Hospitals near flooded facility are at capacity

12/20/2019

'Tis the season for year-end equipment planning

Many affected ate pre-cut fruit

12/20/2019

Urgent care needed: The importance of underground utility mapping for hospital campuses

Though hospitals are unlike other facility campuses, they are similar in one aspect— current underground utility management and mapping tend to be lacking

12/20/2019

Flu season might peak in December

One of the healthcare industry’s chief struggles is attracting and retaining healthcare facility staff

12/20/2019

Selecting a high-performance HVAC system

Selecting HVAC means meeting the needs of a facility efficiently and effectively now and into the future

12/20/2019

Salmonella outbreak sickens 33 at Pa. healthcare facilities

Many affected ate pre-cut fruit

12/19/2019

Florida VA employees, medical suppliers indicted for alleged kickback scheme

VA employees allegedly received thousands of dollars in bribes

12/19/2019

Flooding at Atlanta hospital prompts closure of 62 patient beds

Cleanup and repairs have begun in the patient units significantly damaged by flooding

12/19/2019

Hospital learning to defuse violence

The hospital also has introduced a behavioral screening tool to help identify patients prone to violence

12/19/2019

Interior design choices can support infection prevention

Style must be balanced with ease of cleaning

12/19/2019

NYC hospital security officers don't feel prepared for active shooter situation

The more than 800 law enforcement officers carry batons, handcuffs, radios and flashlights

12/18/2019

Technology saves Toronto hospital $3.2 million a year in energy costs

For instance, patient rooms feature an integrated bedside terminal that can, among other things, change the temperature in their room

12/18/2019

Creating genuine privacy where it’s needed most

Acoustic pods address the issue of privacy head on, offering a soundproof solution for sensitive conversations as well as the need for accessible solitude in a public space

12/18/2019

Dallas children's hospital relocates patients after finding mold

Children's Medical Center Dallas relocated 28 patients after routine air tests

12/17/2019

CDC: 12 state seeing high flu activity

Fourteen states experienced moderate activity, eight states reported low activity and 16 states experienced minimal activity

12/17/2019

Driving savings, standardization and service excellence with enterprise strategy for clinical engineering

Keeping up with the rapid rate of change and getting the most value out of technology today requires a holistic strategy

12/17/2019

Atlanta hospital closed because of broken water pipe

The break caused flooding in some patient care areas of Grady Memorial Hospital

12/17/2019

How to assess the condition of your parking structure

From criteria ranging from safety and security to aesthetics and structural stability, here is how to assess the long-term viability of your parking structures

12/17/2019

Atlanta hospital brightens parking garage with mural

A 2,000-square-foot mural was added to cover a 100-foot-wide cement column in the center of a patient vehicle drop-off circle at Northside Hospital

12/17/2019

UV lights could help limit bacteria on phones in healthcare facilities

Study suggests ultraviolet sanitizing devices could be stationed around hospitals

12/16/2019

University of California nurses rally at to raise awareness about workplace violence

Nurses at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento and UCSF Hellen Diller Medical Center at Parnassus Heights in San Francisco held rallies

12/16/2019

When hospital surface cleaning fails, superbugs win

Plasma technology, which cleans air 24 hours a day, can be another line of defense.

12/16/2019

Lighting best start for energy efficiency plan

Upgrades to LEDs can yield huge energy savings and can usually be installed without disrupting facility operations

12/16/2019

Mystery odor closes Vermont hospital operating rooms again

The oder caused staff to seek medical care

12/13/2019

Workers at Ohio healthcare facilities warned about credit card thieves

Kettering Health Network believes the thefts could be part of a possible crime ring

12/13/2019

Quake-resistant hospital to open soon in Turkey

The hospital features 1,800 triple pendulum isolator systems

12/13/2019

New Orleans hospital has seen more than 1,400 flu cases this year

Last year at this time it had seen nine

12/12/2019

Glasgow hospital's water supply was at 'high risk' of decontamination

Warnings about the risk of water contamination were issued just days after facility opened

12/12/2019

Does your fire alarm system need an opgrade or replacement?

Consider age, functionality, control equipment and more when evaluating your fire alarm system for upgrade or replacement

12/12/2019

How lighting controls reduce energy use

Lighting controls can reduce lighting energy use in institutional and commercial facilities by up to 47 percent

12/12/2019

Class-action lawsuit filed against Seattle Children's Hospital

Five deaths between 2001 and 2014 from surgical site infections from Aspergillus mold were likely caused by the air handling systems

12/11/2019

Healthcare facilities responding as natural disasters get worse

In the wake of a disaster, healthcare facilities can provide vital primary care, whether that’s within the walls of a clinic, in patients’ homes, or in the one place where many of their patients are most likely to show up: an evacuation shelter

12/11/2019

Roadmap to smart hospital: Step-by-step guide to the future of care

It's time to embrace smart hospitals to maximize the use of available technology.

12/11/2019

Getting patients from the ED to admitted beds more quickly with mobile tech

12/11/2019

Hospitals prepare to be earthquake-ready

After the Nov. 30 quake in Southcentral Alaska, hospital uses lessons learned for next potential disaster

12/10/2019

Ransomware attack freezes health records access at 110 nursing homes

Some facilities were unable to get drug information updated, others faced billing issues

12/10/2019

CDC issues new warning about superbugs

'Everyone is at risk' for antibiotic-resistant infections

12/10/2019

N.Z. hospital asked to end coal use for energy, heating

Doctor cites health and environmental concerns

12/10/2019

Tips for selecting LEDs

LEDs are an easy win for energy savings. But make sure you select the right type for your space. Here's what you need to know.

12/10/2019

Man shouting ‘chemical warfare’ in Conn. ER prompts hazmat response

None of the 35 people evacuated was injured, but three were isolated

12/9/2019

MRSA can linger on surfaces for months

Good hygiene can help prevent the bacteria from spreading

12/9/2019

Seattle Children's hospital was once confident air systems weren’t source of infection

Hospital staff now believe the system that circulates air through operating rooms caused mold infections going back to 2001

12/9/2019

Pet therapy offers positive results in care facilities

The American Journal of Infection Control recommends a set of guidelines when it comes to bringing animals into long-term care facilities and hospitals

12/9/2019

W.Va. hospital increasing security after shooting

In August, a man shot and killed himself in an emergency room at the hospital

12/6/2019

Security, infection issues spark changes at D.C. hospital

St. Elizabeths reacts to shooting, Legionella

12/6/2019

Senior living facilities can make a large contribution to reduce carbon emissions

The senior living industry is responsible for approximately 3.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website

12/6/2019

Inspection, testing and maintenance of door hardware key to security plan

By paying closer attention to the maintenance and performance of doors, hinges, closers, and fire-exit hardware, managers can help improve the safety and security of their facilities

12/6/2019

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

12/6/2019

Minn. hospital locks down because of brawl

The disruption involving from 50 to 75 people started when someone with a nonlethal gunshot wound was brought to the hospital

12/5/2019

Senior living dining spaces are being transformed by baby boomers

Upgrades, such as casual, bistro-inspired settings with a contemporary, even cool, aesthetics are expected, according to an article on the Environments for Aging website.

12/5/2019

Tips for life-safety and emergency prep in longterm care facilities

Start by looking at all possible risks

12/5/2019

Mercy Hospital accused of failing to take 'even the most basic security measures’ during 2018 shooting

The family of a pharmacist killed has filed a lawsuit

12/5/2019

Wash. health officials now require reporting of mold infections

The mandate comes after it was revealed that Seattle Children’s has had 14 patients develop mold infections over 18 years

12/4/2019

Hospital installs webcams in NICU beds

Families can see their babies when they can’t be at UC Davis Children’s Hospital

12/4/2019

Las Vegas psychiatric hospital given a year to address safety issues

In August, federal regulators cut off the facility's Medicare and Medicaid funding

12/4/2019

Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Annunciator panels

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for annunciator panels

12/4/2019

Sex offender removed from Pa. hospital during the birth of his child

A hospital security offered to escort the man to his wife's room the next day, but he declined fearing that he might be arrested

12/4/2019

Lighting can support healthier patient rooms

Advanced lighting design can improve patient and visitor outcomes and comfort and staff productivity

12/4/2019

California hospital creates disaster carts

Two Army Nurse Corps nurses create new carts, classes and protocols

12/3/2019

FDA approves easier-to-clean duodenoscope

New scope will have fewer parts that need to be cleaned

12/3/2019

Family of toddler who died at Glasgow hospital claims 'bacteria' found in shower

Mother says she has documents which show that bacteria was found on the showerhead in her son's bathroom

12/3/2019

CDC: Someone in the U.S. dies of a drug-resistant superbug every 15 minutes

The report put five superbugs on the 'urgent threat' list

12/3/2019

Critics say safety standards creating institutional feel in hospital psychiatric wards

New suicide prevention requirements took effect on July 1

12/3/2019

Healthcare facility patient satisfaction is possible

Improving patient satisfaction scores is a challenge that almost all healthcare facilities face

12/3/2019

Emails show Wash. hospital knew about mold problem for year and a half

Internal e-mails suggest Seattle Children's Hospital knew last year that there was a pattern of infections

12/2/2019

Environmental services technician certification proves its worth

Certification also helps decrease infection rates in hospitals

12/2/2019

Hand-hygiene program in wards improve compliance

Most efforts to improve hand hygiene in hospitals focus on individuals

12/2/2019

Four best practices for optimizing real estate in healthcare facilities

There are best practices facilities managers can adopt that not only preserve resources and reduce costs, but that also provide added benefits

12/2/2019

Close to 1,200 patients at risk at Indiana hospital due to sterilization lapses

One of the hospital's surgical instrument sterilization technicians failed to complete a necessary step

11/27/2019

New Stanford hospital inspired by Apple

The hospital has automated guided vehicles to assist with laundry delivery and trash disposal

11/27/2019

Canadian hospital hit for infection control issues and use of duct tape

Other maintenance issues include the need to resurface counters and wall in part of the neonatal intensive care unit

11/27/2019

Washington hospital cancels procedures after surgical tray issues

Flecks of plastic were found on some surgical trays

11/27/2019

Flushing rim sinks provide hygienic disposal of clinical waste

Sinks help maintain clean conditions for clinics and healthcare settings

11/27/2019

Legionnaires’ disease found at Ohio nursing home

Lake County General Health District confirms disease at Mentor facility

11/26/2019

10 Seattle hospital ORs closed through January after mold outbreak

The hospital is installing in-room HEPA filtration

11/26/2019

Innovative technology helps lower costs, overcome labor shortage and Increase safety

Technology can help close the labor gap, and it can also lower costs and increase efficiency by helping healthcare organizations’ facilities and housekeeping departments do more with less

11/26/2019