Deadly linen contamination a wake-up call

Laundries urged to review processes, procedures


The deadly fungal infection at the New Orleans Children's Hospital, believed to be caused by contaminated linens, is a wake-up call for laundries, according to an article on the American Laundry News website.

“Contamination should always be a concern,” Joseph Ricci, president and CEO of the Textile Rental Services Association, said in the article.

Linda Fairbanks, executive director of the Association for Linen Management, encouraged laundry operators to be vigilant every step of the way when processing, handling and delivering linens.

“It’s a process from the time it enters your door till the time it reaches your patient. And that’s the one thing that the New Orleans [Children’s Hospital] can teach us.” 

“We focus so long on the wash wheel and wash formulas and chemicals and chlorine or oxygen bleach. And we focused on all these issues, yet this is the other side of that wall,” she said. “This is the clean side, the finishing side.”

Read the article.

 

 



June 12, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Wanted: Scientific Standard for Hospital Cleaning

No accepted criteria exist for defining a surface as clean using microbiologic methods.


NLCS Strengthens Safety and Compliance with Comprehensive Electrical Program

Case study: A renewed partnership with Siemens helps the senior living provider meet NFPA 70B standards, reduce risk, and enhance reliability across its communities.


Sun Valley Surgery Center Suffers a Data Breach

On September 3, 2025, SVSC became aware of a potential issue involving SVSC’s information systems.


EV Charging Stations: Planning for Safety, Convenience, Expansion

Managers need to ensure patient access, coordinate with clinical operations and ensure every phase of construction supports the facility's mission.


Why Ambulatory Surgery Centers Are Turning to Dedicated HVAC Systems

Design experts from Neenan Archistruction explain how single-unit HVAC systems for each operating room enhance infection control, comfort, and resiliency.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.