Facility Operations

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

Expand the maintenance departments equipment arsenal

Renting portable cooling units, lifts and generators can supplement maintenance tools

11/26/2019

Tips for hiring healthcare cybersecurity pros

Cybersecurity requires people from all backgrounds and majors

11/26/2019

CDC puts Candida auris and Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter in urgent category

C. difficile, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriacese and drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae are also considered 'urgent'

11/25/2019

Scientists developing ‘smart toilet’ to collect health data

Some of the available information is alcohol consumption, caloric intake, and how quickly a person metabolizes certain medicine

11/25/2019

Indoor air quality in healthcare facilities: How to keep your patients and staff healthy

A new report suggests the issue is also being impacted by old and unsuitable infrastructure

11/25/2019

Infection control in five Irish hospitals hampered by overcrowding

A new report suggests the issue is also being impacted by old and unsuitable infrastructure

11/25/2019

California power outage disrupted patient care on Northern Coast

A majority of the state’s counties lost power for portions of October

11/25/2019

Kids 'drive' themselves to OR at N.H. hospital

The car is remote controlled by a staff member, but the children feel they are in charge of the wheel

11/22/2019

Superhero window washers pop in on Pa. children’s hospital

After peering through the windows, the superheroes made their way inside to meet with the kids and hand out a few gifts

11/22/2019

U.S. health systems help assess Dorian-damaged Bahamian hospitals

Facilities experts helping determine whether to repair or replace

11/22/2019

Maintenance is an investment, not a cost center

Engaged technicians can help managers revamp a department's image and drive an organization's success

11/22/2019

HHS releases healthcare cybersecurity best practices

Guidance includes 10 best practices for mitigating hacking threats

11/22/2019

Healthcare data security at crisis levels

Cyber criminals have used x-ray machines to launch malware attacks

11/21/2019

Workers plan strike over UC hospitals outsourcing

UC Davis Health have not canceled any patient appointments in preparation for today's strike

11/21/2019

Nine in 10 healthcare organizations still using fax machines

Thirty-nine percent using pagers

11/21/2019

UK hospitals addressing structural issues

Seven healthcare facilities across England have building safety concerns

11/21/2019

Hospitals don't have to report waterborne infections

Tennessee and Oregon are the only states that require hospitals to report waterborne NTM infections

11/21/2019

Cancer cluster may be linked to medical equipment sterilization facility

The facility uses cancer-causing ethylene oxide in the sterilization process

11/20/2019

Seattle Children’s hospital faces lawsuit over mold issues

Lawsuit claims that the teen contracted meningitis in March 2018 from the Aspergillus mold

11/20/2019

CDC: Candida auris cases at 836

New York has the most cases with 388

11/20/2019

Maintenance insights to keep plumbing systems flowing

New-generation drain cleaning products offer efficiency and safety

11/20/2019

CDC says HAIs are decreasing

Clostridium difficile infections were down by 12 precent, between 2017 and 2018

11/20/2019

Buck crashes through Tennessee hospital window

Three patients at an outpatient clinic at Tennova Healthcare-North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell were evaluated for minor injuries

11/19/2019

New York identifies healthcare facilities with Candida auris

New York is the first state to release the names

11/19/2019

Water-borne infection hitting patients across the country

More than 150 hospitals across the country reporting infected patients

11/19/2019

2018 saw record number of Legionellosis cases reported

Rising temperatures, longer summers and the increased popularity of environmentally-friendly buildings may be contributing to the rise in cases

11/19/2019

Evaluating Building Internet of Things devices and systems

Make sure that it is truly commercial-grade

11/19/2019

Preparing healthcare facilities for a disaster

Hospitals must maintain continuity of patient care

11/19/2019

Seattle Children's Hospital closes operating rooms due to fungus again

The latest discovery of Aspergillus has closed 11 operating rooms after the mold was detected in three ORs and two procedural areas

11/18/2019

VA reorganizes police force after critical reports

One report also found the VA failed to develop adequate threat assessments and written policies

11/18/2019

Study: Copper hospital beds can kill bacteria

Copper beds in the ICU harbored an average of 95 percent fewer bacteria than conventional hospital beds

11/18/2019

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

Lighting Manufacturer Launches More Designs for Behavioral Health

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

Nursing home fire spurs evacuation

Three dozen patients moved to an alternative location

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