Focus: Infection Control

Mold in hospital’s maternity unit sickens more than 50 employees

More than 50 employees in the maternity unit at Staten Island University Hospital North say they've been sickened in recent months by an odor


More than 50 employees in the maternity unit at New York's Staten Island University Hospital North say they've been sickened in recent months by an odor that has been linked to mold, according to an article on the Fox News website.

Air monitoring devices have detected mold at “moderately elevated levels” in addition to “trace levels of anesthetic gases” in the nursery at Staten Island University Hospital North.

The hospital also found “water-borne mold behind a sink wall” and noted the “trace levels” of the anesthetic gases were sevoflurane and nitrous oxide, which “are routinely used during surgical procedures,” the hospital said.

The hospital said the detected amounts “pose no risk to patients, staff or visitors, but some of the affected nurses told the New York Daily News the mold has caused them to become ill, resulting in headaches, dizziness and sore throats, among other alleged symptoms.

Read the article.

 

 



January 11, 2019


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Disinfectant Contact Time: The Case for Biofilm Disruption

Contact time, while essential for compliance, does not reliably predict microbial reduction on actual healthcare surfaces.


Rethinking How Healthcare Facilities Fund Construction Projects

Rising costs and competing priorities are driving healthcare organizations to explore new financing arrangements and construction strategies.


Putting Trauma-Informed Design into Practice

Arnold's Place demonstrates how design choices can promote dignity and a sense of control for those experiencing homelessness.


Harris Health to Build New Freestanding Cancer Center

The center is planned to open in 2029, following the opening of the new O'Quinn Hospital along the North Loop at Lockwood.


Inland Empire Health Plan Opens Expanded San Bernardino Community Wellness Center

The new 33,000-square-foot center is nearly three times the size of the original location off Second Street.


 
 


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.