Facility Operations

Two cancer patients catch rare bugs linked to hospital water supply

Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University Hospital has sealed off part of the facility

8/19/2019

Healthcare industry major source of harmful emissions

Doctors suggest multi-faceted approach to incorporate environmental sustainability into value assessments in healthcare

8/19/2019

‘Playbook’ preps Rhode Island healthcare facilities for power outages

'Protecting Patients When Disaster Strikes' describes the before-during-after of a power outage

8/19/2019

Hospital cleaning bundle efficient and cost-effective

Method also reduces vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections by 37 percent

8/16/2019

Wyoming Medical Center upgrades security after shooting

A man who opened fire inside of Wyoming Medical Center in March

8/16/2019

First Legionnaires’ death linked to Atlanta outbreak confirmed

Air conditioning units are prime breeding grounds for the bacteria

8/16/2019

Four energy-saving design tips for hot climates

In hot climates, cooling loads are key

8/16/2019

University Health Network: Exhaust fan app boosts savings

DCV control of labs' air supply initially saved approximately $800,000

8/16/2019

Hospitals prep for the worst as mass shootings become more common

Hospitals mandate training for tragedy

8/15/2019

Resources can help reduce Legionella risk

Resources distributed by ASHRAE include Standard 188, which provides a comprehensive approach to help prevent the growth and spread of Legionella within building water systems

8/15/2019

Three trending security technologies

Drones, robots and advanced access control changing facilities management

8/15/2019

Growing hospital energy costs can be managed

Low-hanging fruit includes turning off or reducing power to electronic equipment that is not being used

8/15/2019

Johnson Controls introduces Tyco Cloud for Secure and Simple Security

8/15/2019

Security changes causing concern at Fla. hospital

JFK Medical Center in Atlantis removing medical detectors, police

8/14/2019

Up to half of patient food in Irish hospitals is not eaten

Health officials are working on guidelines to address food waste

8/14/2019

Identifying and addressing DAS requirements in today’s hospital

DAS allows all users of the building, whether it be communicating infrastructure or a personal or business phone, to connect to their carrier of choice at full signal strength

8/14/2019

Glasgow hospital spends more than $500,000 to kill pests after pigeon droppings crisis

Anti-bird spikes and netting have been installed and chemicals were used to kill mold and fungus

8/13/2019

Digital footprints boost safety for newborns

California hospital captures high-resolution images for better identification

8/13/2019

Sixth death in UK Listeria outbreak linked to hospital food

The death has been linked to sandwiches from Good Food Chain products served at St. Richard’s Hospital

8/13/2019

Study: Cigarette smoke boosts MRSA drug-resistance

Smoke also may make MRSA more invasive and persistent

8/13/2019

Telehealth market expected to see a 23.4 percent compound annual growth rate

Growth is driven by increasing health awareness and adoption of online health consultation

8/13/2019

Wash. hospital adds dog to its security force

Tacoma General Hospital security dog expected to prevent assaults, help patients

8/12/2019

Candida Auris called 'new bug using old tricks'

C. auris acts more like a multidrug-resistant, healthcare-associated bacteria than like a typical yeast

8/12/2019

What do you know about hospital security?

Campus Safety Magazine offers a quiz on their website

8/12/2019

N.J. called hot spot for Candida auris

The CDC says most cases of Candida auris in the United States are in New York City, Chicago and New Jersey

8/12/2019

Non-regulated healthcare facilities taking resilience seriously

Technologies can help can cut costs and improve energy efficiency

8/12/2019

Hospital mobilizes to fight deadly Candida auris

Widespread overuse of antibiotics and antifungals has bred superbug species

8/9/2019

Study finds educating cleaning staff lowers C. diff infections

Study suggests focusing on knowledge gaps, challenges and barriers

8/9/2019

Boston hospital roof farm sprouts other initiatives

Boston Medical Center began operating a 2,658-square-foot farm on a roof terrace in 2017

8/9/2019

Tips to keep long-term care facilities safe

Younger people with serious mental illness getting treatment in senior living and care settings is contributing to an increase in violence

8/9/2019

Death from infection linked to pigeon feces at Glasgow hospital could lead to criminal proceedings

A boy was battling cancer at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow in December 2018 when he contracted Cryptococcus and died

8/8/2019

Hospitals use technology, training to support seismic readiness

Healthcare facilities are diversifying their communication tools, outfitting buildings with technology and running preparedness scenarios

8/8/2019

Key to improving EVS results can be found in the C-Suite

Creating an infection-free facility begins at the top with a commitment from management

8/8/2019

Glasgow hospital fire evacuation protocols called 'chaotic and confusing'

Staff member says patients and staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital could be at risk

8/8/2019

Load testing of electronic health records - what to look for

Load testing is an essential component in performance testing, and doing so in a production-like environment brings its benefits.

8/8/2019

Load testing of electronic health records - what to look for

Load testing is an essential component in performance testing, and doing so in a production-like environment brings its benefits.

8/8/2019

N.C. hospital goes on lockdown after patient says they opened envelope with white, powdery substance

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital lifted lockdown after testing substance

8/7/2019

Two cases of Legionnaires’ confirmed at Connecticut nursing facility

Apple Rehab is working to find the source of the bacteria and have taken precautions, including chlorine treatments for the water system.

8/7/2019

Healthcare facilities need preparation to avoid a cyberattack

A strong, flexible game plan is crucial

8/7/2019

Roof rat concerns force closure of Washington hospital's kitchen, cafeteria

Patients’ food was being prepared and brought in from another hospital

8/6/2019

Specifying sinks for sterile compounding (HD) environments doesn’t have to be a hazardous decision

Hospitals will pay it for this service, which it expects will be much faster and eventually cheaper than current couriers

8/6/2019

Be measles ready: Tips on how to be prepared for the next outbreak

There are a number of factors that make measles a particularly difficult virus to protect patients, staff and visitors from contracting

8/6/2019

Washington hospital works to improve safety after patient's death

The patient ran from the facility after tampering with a fire alarm

8/6/2019

UPS to use drones for hospital deliveries

Hospitals will pay it for this service, which it expects will be much faster and eventually cheaper than current couriers

8/6/2019

Candida auris is raising questions about its origin

The fungus doesn’t behave like a fungus

8/5/2019

Hospital-acquired C. diff comes with a financial price tag

The average healthcare cost for patients with the C. diff infection was $43,718

8/5/2019

High levels of air pollution found at London hospital causes concern

Pollution may be coming from generators and boilers at St Bartholomew’s Hospital

8/5/2019

Study focuses on where disease-causing pathogens might be hiding in a longterm care facility

Researchers examined the possibility that electric hand dryers installed in public restrooms could spread disease

8/5/2019

Hundreds of Tampa Bay area nursing homes, assisted living facilities still without backup power

A Florida law fines facilities as much as $1,000 per day for failure to install permanent generators, but records show these facilities rarely paid fines

8/2/2019

Two cases of Legionnaires’ reported at Illinois hospital

It was unknown if the infected patients were exposed at the hospital

8/2/2019

Safeguarding healthcare facilities from legionella

Having control measures and procedures in place is the first step in mitigating Legionella risk

8/2/2019

158 employees at Seattle hospital potentially exposed to dangerous bacteria

The exposure occurred in an operating room and a laboratory in late June

8/2/2019

Healthcare facilities in Portugal test 'panic buttons' for staff

The devices send a rapid message indicating danger

8/2/2019

Superbugs can remain on surgical gowns after disinfection

Researchers tested single-use polypropylene surgical gowns infected with three strains of C. diff

8/1/2019

Planning for longterm energy efficiency

A multi-year energy planning process allows for a wide range of 'what-if' scenarios

8/1/2019

Regular inspections, testing helps keep sprinklers working properly

The reliability and effectiveness with which sprinklers operate cuts both the human and financial costs of fires

8/1/2019

Ransomware can put healthcare providers — and patients — in critical condition

Ransomware attacks have been numerous in hospitals and other health facilities recently, and the consequences can be dire

8/1/2019

Bats in Iowa hospital buildings lead to patient safety alert

The hospital receives about 10 reports of bats in its facilities a year, typically in non-patient care areas

7/31/2019

N.C. hospital security now scanning visitor photo IDs

The technology will create a personalized badge with a visitor's photo and patient room number

7/31/2019

A text message to save more than 13 million lives

Patient engagement through text messages has emerged as one of the biggest avenues for optimizing care quality

7/31/2019

W. Va. hospital opened cooling station to beat the heat

The cooling center was free for the community

7/31/2019

Candida auris may have been spurred by global warming

The fungus sprung up simultaneously on three continents

7/30/2019

Double cable failure causes Mass. hospital power outage

Mount Auburn Hospital had system in place to prevent outage

7/30/2019

Solar panels proposed near Calif. hospital

Four acres of ground-based panels would be located on the west and north sides of the hospital

7/30/2019

Door selection can impact infection control

Touchless doors can help stop the spread of germs and bacteria

7/30/2019

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

7/30/2019

How do Southern Calif. hospitals rate for earthquake safety?

Currently one third of hospitals in the area are rated as at risk of collapse

7/29/2019

Man pulls gun on Winnipeg hospital security guards

The man was part of a violent disturbance in the Children’s Hospital at the Health Sciences Centre

7/29/2019

Report finds VA concealed Legionella at facility

Inspectors also found the facility’s staff routinely failed to conduct routine cleaning

7/29/2019

Technology that detects falls helps shown to reduce ED services

Reviewing videos helps caregivers determine causes of falls

7/29/2019

AI-driven software automation brings sweeping change to healthcare industry

The future holds even more dynamic changes for automating tedious processes, streamlining redundant tasks and speeding well-informed decision-making

7/29/2019

While healthcare facility shootings are still rare, assaults are not

Shootings like the recent one in a Baltimore drug treatment center draw attention to violent incidents

7/26/2019

Second Va. senior facility reports respiratory illness outbreak

The county health department says there doesn’t appear to be a link between the outbreaks

7/26/2019

Hospital overcrowding leaves patients boarding in ERs

National provider shortage, rise of antibiotic-resistant infections making things worse

7/26/2019

Electrostatic sprayers can help control infections, save time

Machines allow janitors to sanitize and disinfect high touchpoints every day

7/26/2019

IoT – The prescription to keeping workers and patients safe on hospital construction jobsites

When workers are equipped with IoT-based wearable sensors, managers can see in real time the workers present for every trade

7/26/2019

10 steps to workplace violence reduction

It takes more than a policy, class or lecture

7/26/2019

Appliance seller has lessons for hospitals about patient experience

Hospitals are trying a number of initiatives to improve their patients’ satisfaction

7/25/2019

Manhattan hospital relies on emergency system during blackout

Mount Sinai West was among the hospitals that went to backup generator

7/25/2019

Integration of Internet of Things and RAIN RFID in hospital asset management systems boosts efficiency

The implementation of RAIN RFID in hospital asset systems helps to keep track of tagged items, store information

7/25/2019

Cybersecurity is a top safety issue for healthcare facilities

Cybersecurity was listed behind severe weather and active shooter incidents

7/25/2019

WHO declares Ebola a global emergency

The declaration is meant to encourage international aid

7/24/2019

Hospital cutting food waste and cost

Providence Health trimming unnecessary food expenditures

7/24/2019

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

7/24/2019

Ebola case confirmed in Congo city on Rwanda border

Case could signal a major escalation for the outbreak

7/23/2019

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

7/23/2019

Irish hospitals struggling with infection control

Problems include a lack of isolation facilities, high occupancy rates and aging hospitals

7/23/2019

BAS's role in facilities management

The BAS can assist FMs in promoting a safe, productive and efficient work environment

7/23/2019

Dealing with contamination in recycling programs

Widespread contamination of the recycling stream has resulted in what many are calling a crisis in the U.S. recycling industry

7/23/2019

The blueprint for IoT infrastructure in healthcare

Developments in technology that contribute to the Internet of Things are introducing some extremely interesting innovations for healthcare providers

7/23/2019

Respiratory outbreak investigated at Va. senior facility

54 residents fall ill at Springfield facility

7/22/2019

Patient beds line Australian hospitals halls with increased demand

Some patients forced to spend more than 24 hours waiting for a room

7/22/2019

Maintaining healthcare facility security during chaos

Facilities rely on cameras and professional security

7/22/2019

Some hospital cleaning methods can't kill C. diff

Spores grow on gowns, other surfaces

7/22/2019

IoT security is critical to healthcare

Traditional cybersecurity sometimes lapses when it comes to the IoT

7/22/2019

New alarms that whistle and sing are designed to lessen hospital noise

Efforts are underway to make alarms quieter and design systems of visual cues — like interactive screens that look like paintings

7/19/2019

Lighting can support healthier patient rooms

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

7/19/2019

Tips for hiring healthcare cybersecurity pros

Cybersecurity requires people from all backgrounds and majors

7/19/2019

San Francisco hospital cuts food waste with on-demand service

Hospitals waste two to three times more than other food service sectors

7/19/2019

Triclosan exposure linked to osteoporosis

The endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been widely used as an antibacterial in consumer goods and personal care products

7/18/2019

IAHSS Foundation recognizes achievements in healthcare security

Several hospital security programs were recognized at the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety

7/18/2019

Time to get serious about a facility's carbon footprint

Buildings are responsible for 40 percent of carbon emissions

7/18/2019

CDC seeks to update guidelines for infection control in occupational health

The CDC is updating two sections addressing protocol for infrastructure and routine practices

7/18/2019

Key aspects to updating your security infrastructure

Start by discussing plans for growth and development

7/18/2019

Data shows $117,000 in thefts from Minn. assisted living facility residents

Research showed the average amount lost was $1,130

7/17/2019

Bacteria associated with HAIs found in raw meat

These bacteria have become a major threat in hospitals

7/17/2019

Creating staff engagement in healthcare facilities

Disengagement can hurt interdepartmental relationships

7/17/2019

Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Air changes in the morgue

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for air changes in the morgue

7/17/2019

The ABC of Blue Button: APIs and the future of healthcare patient data

Application Programming Interface (API) is redefining accessibility of data in the healthcare ecosystem

7/17/2019

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

7/17/2019

Funding to stop Candida auris lacking

A high proportion of people who have been diagnosed with C. auris have died

7/16/2019

Using biometrics on the healthcare campus

Fingerprint authentication can make physical access control systems more secure

7/16/2019

Healthcare cybersecurity market size to exceed $27 billion by 2025

Increasing incidences of healthcare data leaks is forecasted to boost healthcare cybersecurity industry growth during the analysis period

7/16/2019

Cybersecurity still possible on a tight budget

A good information security plan can be affordable

7/16/2019

Seattle Children's is facing violations after mold investigation

Cited deficiencies include the failure to properly maintain air filtering systems that fed to operating rooms

7/15/2019

Oregon program addresses healthcare workplace violence

Healthcare association creates customizable toolkit

7/15/2019

California hospital evacuated after earthquake

Ridgecrest healthcare facility sustained structural damage

7/15/2019

Environmental monitoring can reduce healthcare-associated infections

Patients in healthcare facilities are often particularly vulnerable to infections due to weakened immune systems and the presence of invasive medical devices such as needles and catheters

7/15/2019

Artificial intelligence is reshaping facilities management

AI is already reshaping both how buildings are designed and operated

7/15/2019

Survey suggests security cameras do make campuses safer

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

7/15/2019

Mich. nursing facilities seeing more VRE, less MRSA

Since 2003, rates of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus almost tripled

7/12/2019

Canadian hospitals adding secure safe rooms

Patients in crisis could wait up to 72 hours for transfer to other facilities

7/12/2019

Vermont hospital, community college partner on EVS training

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital works with local college on train-to-hire program

7/12/2019

Medically tailored meals may be saving lives

Organization serves people with a broad cross section of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and kidney disease

7/12/2019

Smart hospitals market experiencing high demand for hospital-based software

The market is likely to gain from increasing incidence of chronic diseases and further rising demand for hospitals

7/12/2019

Rise in dementia leads to new food service options

Program addresses residents' potential malnutrition issues

7/12/2019

Seattle Children's hospital reopened 14 operating rooms closed after mold found

1 killed, 5 infected by mold at the hospital in last two years

7/11/2019

Candida auris is a growing problem

It may remain even after surfaces are disinfected

7/11/2019

Hospitals in Vermont and New Hampshire struggle for clean linens after plant closing

Some hospitals are now getting linens from as far away as New York and Canada

7/11/2019

mHealth market will register 38.0% CAGR Growth to cross $289.4 billion by 2025

Growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiac diseases will drive mHealth market growth in the coming years

7/11/2019

What healthcare must understand about cybersecurity

Healthcare organizations continue to be the subject of attacks by hackers seeking access to patient data for resale on the black market

7/11/2019

UPMC Children's MRSA cases mostly in the NICU

The hospital tested all NICU patients, and six tested positive

7/10/2019

Increasing sustainability of healthcare facility distributed energy systems

As healthcare companies seek to improve their sustainability and to protect their power systems against risk, they are beginning to incorporate renewable energy into their distributed energy power systems

7/10/2019

How to maintain security devices

Diligence is key to protecting equipment from damage and loss

7/10/2019

Seattle Children’s closes all main operating rooms because of mold

Aspergillus mold was found in several operating and equipment storage rooms

7/9/2019

Norovirus may be transmitted through the air

Outbreaks of norovirus are especially difficult to control in hospital settings

7/9/2019

Designing a safer exam room

Balancing patient experience with efficiency is one way to keep safety at the forefront, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

7/9/2019

Automated doors can provide both access and security to healthcare facilities

Different types of entrances present their own challenges

7/9/2019

Confusion during lockdown of N.C. hospital blamed on ‘unclear policies and protocols’

Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro plans revisions to policies

7/8/2019

Why are there so many security breaches in healthcare?

Cybercriminals steal billions of dollars every year

7/8/2019

UV light fights germs on mobile devices

Ultraviolet rays kill nearly 100% of bacteria found on mobile devices in healthcare settings

7/8/2019

Illinois investigating 4 cases of Legionnaires’ at Christ Medical Center

Legionnaires’ found in three patients and a staff member at healthcare facility in Oak Lawn

7/8/2019

Woman who gave birth in Japan photographs hospital meals

Meals look more than restaurant-worthy

7/8/2019

Study finds C. Auris spreads through skin shedding

The findings highlight need for hygiene and disinfection

7/5/2019

12 die from rare bacterial infection in Essex

The outbreak of invasive Group A streptococcus has been linked to care for chronic wounds

7/5/2019

Oregon State Hospital staff injuries rose in 2018

Facility is strained to admit new patients

7/5/2019

Tips for medical device cybersecurity

Device cybersecurity called the biggest challenge hospitals face today

7/5/2019

Concealed carry: Laws and permit numbers by state

Campus Safety website offers a breakdown of common terminology, laws, requirements and permits issued by state

7/3/2019

Embracing the IoT-equipped restroom

The future of smart restrooms has arrived

7/3/2019

Making the right door choices for security

Doors, locks, and other door hardware must be chosen carefully

7/3/2019

Women exposed to antibacterial chemical more likely to break a bone

A person can be exposed to triclosan via consumer products and contaminated water

7/3/2019

Food service becoming main course at senior facilities

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

7/3/2019

Ebola transmission model predicted recent Uganda cases

The researchers say the model should be used as a risk assessment tool to prepare and distribute resources

7/2/2019

Verbal hand-hygiene reminders In hospitals may curb infections

Voice-based electronic monitoring systems showed a 61.4 percent decrease in HAIs

7/2/2019

Environmental service department leaders urged to embrace change

Change and innovation are at the forefront in healthcare

7/2/2019

HHS releases healthcare cybersecurity best practices

Guidance includes 10 best practices for mitigating hacking threats

7/2/2019

Dry hydrogen peroxide: A novel delivery of an effective microbial reduction agent for environmental cleaning

Dry hydrogen peroxide, a non-aqueous gas, has been used for environmental disinfection in fields such as agriculture, biodefense/government, and sports

7/1/2019

Growing threat from HAIs drive cleaning demand

Candida auris has put the spotlight back on daily cleaning

7/1/2019

Getting started with energy management for hospitals

Most healthcare organizations treat their utility budgets as fixed costs, pay the bills and move on. With this approach, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in savings are left on the table.

7/1/2019

Ebola death toll in Congo surpasses 1,500

A total of 2,239 Ebola cases were reported since the outbreak began

6/28/2019

Power over Ethernet (PoE) synchronized wall clocks: A timely choice in new construction and renovation healthcare projects

For facilities rich in Ethernet infrastructure, achieving a perfectly synchronized clock system could not get any easier than simply plugging in a CAT5/6 cable.

6/28/2019