Hospitals can learn from Dallas' Ebola mistakes

U.S. hospitals are concerned that more Ebola patients will emerge, pushing them to buy more protective equipment, build new isolation rooms


The mishandling of an Ebola patient in Dallas and the subsequent infection of two healthcare workers, along with the growing epidemic in Western Africa that has killed almost 4,000, has heightened concerns at U.S. hospitals that more Ebola patients will emerge, pushing them to buy more protective equipment, build new isolation rooms and enhance treatment plans, according to an article on the Chicago Tribune website.

"This is my entire job" now, Michelle Peninger, system director of infection control at Inova Health System, said in the article. "It's all I do every day."

The Inova team "looks at the screening process, waste disposal, how we're going to disinfect the room, post-mortem care, everything," she said. "We're still adding more people as we identify more issues."

Also, failing to identify Ebola, then sending a patient home where they can come into contact and infect others, is a situation hospitals are trying to prevent, the article said. 

Read the article.

 

 



October 15, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Penobscot Valley Hospital Reports Data Security Incident

It immediately implemented its incident response procedures, took steps to secure systems and hired third-party forensic specialists to assist with an investigation.


Ballad Health Acquires Land for Future Unicoi County Hospital

The new hospital is expected to feature an emergency department, 10 inpatient beds and outpatient services.


Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on much more than doctors and nurses to keep patients safe.


Brookdale Senior Living Announces Acquisition of the Brookdale Galleria Community

The 244-unit independent living and assisted living community is located directly adjacent to The Galleria shopping and entertainment complex.


 
 


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.