Facility Operations
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
Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Delayed egress locks
Brad Keyes discusses regulations for delayed egress locks
9/18/2019
Blockchain technology in healthcare market to hit $1.6 billion by 2025
Healthcare organizations continue to be the subject of attacks by hackers seeking access to patient data for resale on the black market
9/18/2019
Door selection can impact infection control
Touchless doors can help stop the spread of germs and bacteria
9/18/2019
When Dorian hit, Fla.’s generator requirements were not enforced
Following Hurricane Irma, Florida changed its regulations to require backup generators and enough fuel to maintain comfortable temperatures
9/17/2019
The critical condition of hospital power
Load bank testing for hospital generators is a crucial industry requirement.
9/17/2019
Overcrowding at Irish hospitals leading to co-ed wards
Patients also waiting on gurneys for the next empty bed
9/17/2019
Cladding to be removed at Oxford's Churchill and Children's hospitals
The wrong materials were used at the two healthcare facilities
9/17/2019
Strategies for water conservation
Water audits and leak-detection technology can help managers curtail facility water use
9/17/2019
Bahamas healthcare facilities struggle to deal with decomposing bodies after Dorian
Bahamas’ only functioning public hospital expects the death toll would be 'staggering,' and two refrigerated, 40-foot trucks would be needed
9/16/2019
Houston hospital declares 'internal disaster' after water main breaks
Declaring a systemwide internal disaster helped manage ambulance and patient volume
9/16/2019
Creating a successful healthcare facility management partnership
Misperceptions can hamper a partnership with an FM service provider
9/16/2019
Cancer patient forced to stop chemo early because of rare hospital infection
Three children had contracted infections while being treated for cancer at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
9/16/2019
Electrostatic sprayers can help control infections, save time
Machines allow janitors to sanitize and disinfect high touchpoints every day
9/16/2019
Dog to join Washington hospital security staff
The canine officer was added to help deter violence
9/13/2019
Greener healthcare facilities could mean lower healthcare costs
Healthcare facilities can generate a massive amount of waste and energy use
9/13/2019
Acoustics: The hidden risk for mission critical data centers
Focusing on assessment, specification and implementation allows managers can streamline installation and enhance access control
9/13/2019
Key steps to boosting facility security
Focusing on assessment, specification and implementation allows managers can streamline installation and enhance access control
9/13/2019
Best practices for cleaning, disinfection
Cleaning, disinfecting critical to prevention of hospital-acquired infections
9/13/2019
When computers crashed, one Milwaukee hospital turned away ambulances
At least four patients, including one who was having a life-threatening heart attack, were turned away
9/12/2019
Hospital staffers move babies to safety in 'mini ICU on wheels' ahead of hurricane
Three teams of drivers, respiratory nurses and therapists from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta drove to a pair of hospitals in Savannah
9/12/2019
Long-term care residents moved to safer ground ahead of Dorian
More than 380 people were evacuated from North Carolina long-term care centers
9/12/2019
Cybersecurity is a top safety issue for healthcare facilities
Cybersecurity was listed behind severe weather and active shooter incidents
9/12/2019
Mayo Clinic Health Systems Austin temporarily offers valet parking
Construction at the hospital took away some handicap spots
9/11/2019
Report: Healthcare devices are becoming more vulnerable to cyberattack
Forty percent of the devices medical professional are using are IoT devices
9/11/2019
Four cases of Legionnaires’ confirmed at Illinois retirement facility
Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Batavia is being investigated
9/10/2019
Hospitals are being rebuilt for stronger storms
The resilience of hospitals is especially important for areas that only have one major medical center
9/10/2019
Family sues healthcare center after man dies during Hurricane Harvey
Suit alleges one of its properties was poorly prepared for the storm
9/10/2019
Stopping cold drafts in their tracks
Suit alleges one of its properties were poorly prepared for the storm
9/10/2019
Children's mental health facility designed for connecting with nature
The Reach Out Centre for Kids focuses on the link between natural development and the close relationships children share with the living, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/10/2019
Rural hospital staff had to go to Dollar General for supplies
Surgeries were allegedly delayed because of a lack of supplies
9/10/2019
Doctor brings 'Solar Suitcases' to hospitals without reliable power
We Care Solar is a nonprofit that distributes Solar Suitcases
9/9/2019
Ebola outbreak surpasses 3,000 cases
The second-largest, second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in history has exceeded 2,000 deaths
9/9/2019
Dorian forces more than 100 Florida healthcare facilities to evacuate
Facilities moved patients and residents to other facilities and buildings inland
9/9/2019
Maintaining sidewalks and parking garages requires a comprehensive, strategic approach
Hardscape components need a comprehensive program that helps technicians address small problems early
9/9/2019
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
9/9/2019
Space Coast hospitals, nursing homes prepped for Dorian
The emergency management coordinator for Brevard County started daily conference calls with local hospital systems last week
9/6/2019
Former Georgia hospital security director charged with stealing guns, money
Security director at DeKalb Medical accused of stealing more than 90 guns, $20,000
9/6/2019
Hundreds of Florida nursing homes didn’t meet requirements ahead of Dorian
Eldercare facilities remain under scrutiny two years after Hurricane Irma
9/6/2019
FDA says healthcare facilities should use safer scopes
Agency suggests companies make disposable versions
9/6/2019
CDC report: More than 750 C. auris cases in U.S.
The number of confirmed cases hit 725 (with 30 more probable) as of June 30
9/5/2019
Finding security solutions in healthcare spaces
More facilities are transitioning from traditional keys to smart technology
9/5/2019
Woman assaults security officer while trying to abduct child at Pa. hospital
The patient at Lancaster General Hospital took a 4-year-old from her mother
9/5/2019
Shoddy IT infrastructure invites hackers
Hackers are attracted to hospitals with rapid adoption of IT
9/5/2019
Looking to design a new space? Key considerations in AV technology
Audiovisual technology can be used within a building infrastructure to simply manage routine needs
9/4/2019
Florida hospitals install electronic paper patient and room information displays
Hospitals can display information without the glare and blue light of a typical LCD screen
9/4/2019
Securing patients' medical information
Unless your staff is trained and vigilant, all your security precautions might be for nothing
9/4/2019
Blockchain technology holds potential of transforming healthcare sector
Blockchain offers better confidentiality of patient information alongside quick access to required data
9/4/2019
Dogs in Vancouver hospital can sniff out C. diff
The dogs identified C. diff on medical equipment and in linen carts, hospital beds, waiting areas, and staff lockers
9/3/2019
Healthcare industry accounts for 70 percent of occupational violence
Nurses and other healthcare workers are more likely to face workplace violence than police officers and prison guards
9/3/2019
California hospital closes labor and delivery unit because of mold
The hospital discovered the mold July 18 in a nutrition room
9/3/2019
Often overlooked "un-washable” surfaces in healthcare facilities harbor bacteria
The system will generate 2.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean, renewable power per year
9/3/2019
Tips for hiring healthcare cybersecurity pros
Cybersecurity requires people from all backgrounds and majors
9/3/2019
Water coolers banned from Scotland's hospitals due to infection risk
Action has been taken because of the potential for bacteria to grow in the nozzle and the water bottle if not routinely used
8/30/2019
Safety issues at Florida VA hospital linked to patient suicide
Cameras the hospital was required to have on the unit for patient safety reasons hadn't worked in three years
8/30/2019
CHPs a smart solution to combat increasing blackout risks facing healthcare facilities
Many healthcare facilities aren’t properly prepared for what is increasingly becoming a more recurrent threat
8/30/2019
Healthcare workers don't like hand-hygiene monitoring, but it works
Survey responses revealed negative attitudes about the system
8/30/2019
Planning lighting systems in healthcare facilities
With planning, managers can ensures the success of maintenance and upgrades of plumbing systems
8/30/2019
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
8/29/2019
Immediate feedback helps with electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems
Systems with immediate feedback perform slightly better.
8/29/2019
South Bend hospital police named best in the state
The Memorial Hospital police department started five years ago with eight officers and has grown to 15
8/29/2019
New behavioral health unit installs durable lighting with architectural touches
Robust lighting that could withstand high levels of abuse while trying to minimize the institutional look of fixtures was installed
8/29/2019
Balancing security and access in healthcare facilities
Certain challenges are unique to healthcare facilities
8/28/2019
Patient sues Illinois hospital after contracting Legionnaires’
The suit alleges the hospital didn’t take proper precautions following a previous outbreak
8/28/2019
Planning plumbing systems in healthcare facilities
With planning, managers can ensures the success of maintenance and upgrades of plumbing systems
8/28/2019
‘Smart hospitals’ are on the horizon
These buildings perform functions like a medical practitioner
8/27/2019
Hospitals working to meet the challenge of seismic safety
Being able to ride out a major quake and remain operational doesn’t come cheap
8/27/2019
Personalize heat to match the space
Keeping occupants of a facility warm and comfortable is a year-round priority
8/27/2019
Case study: The prescription for EMI New York City
The operating room of a major hospital in New York City is free from the effects of EMI
8/27/2019
The maintenance staff has a role in infection prevention
Facility professionals are constantly moving throughout the facility and may be able to spot potential problems
8/26/2019
Candida auris now one of the world's most feared hospital microbes
New research suggests higher temperatures may have led to an increase in infections
8/26/2019
Mission: Revamp Healthcare 2019 — Top policies this year to reimagine healthcare
One of the greatest challenges in healthcare is keeping up with the changing landscape
8/26/2019
Big data start-ups set to change healthcare
Healthcare is a sector which relies heavily on data and relay of information, so naturally there are lots of companies springing up
8/26/2019
C. difficile strain evolving to live in hospital rooms
A subset of Clostridium difficile bacteria is on the verge of becoming a new species
8/23/2019
Security catches woman trying to kidnap toddler from N.Y. hospital
The suspect allegedly took a stroller with a two-year-old inside and fled St. Joseph’s Hospital
8/23/2019
Rhode Island hospital employees to get panic buttons
Contract with Our Lady of Fatima Hospital addresses concerns around safety
8/23/2019
Maintaining sidewalks and parking garages requires a comprehensive, strategic approach
By developing inspection guidelines for common causes of problems, managers can extend the performance life of concrete components
8/23/2019
Massachusetts hospital deploys security video management software
Massachusetts General Hospital has 1,300 security cameras recording around the clock
8/23/2019
Ebola spreads to third Congo province
South Kivu is located over 430 miles south of where the outbreak first began
8/22/2019
2019 Environmental Services Departments of the Year named
The award recognizes best practices in cleaning and caring for the healthcare environment
8/22/2019
Healthcare facilities must manage emergencies for hours, days after
Healthcare systems should maintain vigilant foresight
8/22/2019
Patient who woke up covered in bugs at Detroit hospital takes legal action
Henry Ford traced the bed bugs back to wet, infested clothing that was placed under the mattress of a gurney
8/21/2019
Planning healthcare facilities for the future
Managers can ensure the success of maintenance and upgrades of HVAC, plumbing and lighting systems
8/21/2019
Boston Children’s Hospital using Alexa to help parents and caregivers
Amazon asked healthcare facilities to test Alexa’s new HIPAA-compliant technology
8/21/2019
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