Safety - February 2014
Technology, common sense key for hospital security
In addition to employee vigilance, cameras and security measures are in place to protect prescription drugs and other valuables
2/28/2014
Patient safety progress called 'excruciatingly slow'
Hospitals need more incentives to to make patient care safer, public health expert says
2/27/2014
Fire alarm system upgrade Q&A
When renovating part of a building, does the fire alarm system in the existing area of the building need to be upgraded as well?
2/27/2014
Study finds low rate of infections following ambulatory surgery
The absolute number of patients with these complications is still substantial, according to JAMA
2/26/2014
VA initiative slashes MRSA rates
A nationwide initiative at 133 of the VA's long-term care facilities found that using a bundled approach to prevention helped to cut overall MRSA rates by 36 percent
2/26/2014
CMS proposes emergency preparedness rule
Proposed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule would require all hospitals to develop a plan
2/25/2014
Hospitals put patient safety first in storm preparation
Facilities are reviewing their weather and emergency planning policies
2/21/2014
Security product choices, maintenance can save lives
Lock-out death in Alzheimer care facilities points out importance of maintaining, monitoring security measures
2/21/2014
Concord Hospital staff to conduct active shooter training exercise
The hospital re-evaluated its own safety policies after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook
2/21/2014
California prison hospital cited for unsanitary conditions
California Health Care Facility in Stockton charged with mistreatment and medical malpractice
2/20/2014
Children's Medical Center Dallas focuses on accessible design
Main lobby receives an accessibility award for going above and beyond legal requirements
2/20/2014
Affordable Care Act impacting security
Facilities must continue to do more with less and design future changes
2/19/2014
Fire damper requirements in rated walls
Fire-rated barriers do not require fire dampers in fully ducted HVAC systems, unless the one-hour fire-rated barrier is a vertical shaft
2/19/2014
Healthcare workers report hand hygiene compliance - even with failures
Study shows providers are recording hand hygiene compliance as much higher than their actual compliance rates
2/19/2014
Effects of Quebec fire extend to US and abroad
Blaze spurs renewed calls for sprinkler systems
2/18/2014
Five keys to hand hygiene compliance
A multifaceted hand hygiene initiative increases compliance, according to study
2/18/2014
Proper CCTV placement based on risk assessment
Improperly placed camera wastes proactive security measure
2/18/2014
Bat colony removed from South Carolina hospital
40 bats found in Orangeburg facility after sightings
2/14/2014
Hospital parking attendants wear CCTV cameras for own safety
Parking attendants in Scottish hospital wear cameras to prevent violence and aggression
2/14/2014
Fire safety a constant focus at Vancouver nursing homes
Fatal Quebec fire brings flood of questions to elder care facilities
2/14/2014
Installing healthcare security with HIPAA and OSHA in mind
What integrators need to know in a complex hospital environment
2/13/2014
Alcohol rubs called good alternative to hand washing
Alcohol rubs are more efficient and convenient with higher antimicrobial properties than soap
2/13/2014
SF General finds latest missing patient with new procedures
Procedures put in place recently in the wake of another missing patient who was found dead weeks after disappearing
2/12/2014
'Germinator' fights hospital infections at Cincinnati hospital
Matched pair of light machines, each around five feet tall, about 15 inches around, and 54 pounds mounted on industrial casters, clean the room with UV light
2/12/2014
Louisiana hospital adding screens against hurricane winds
More than 70 windows were pierced by debris during Hurricane Katrina, forcing patients to be moved to other parts of the hospital
2/12/2014
Lack of knowledge hurts hand hygiene compliance, study says
Researchers talked to noncompliant healthcare workers to study hand washing habits
2/12/2014
Minnesota hospital improving safety practices and looking to spread the word
St. Joe's staff trying to educate Hubbard County residents about the danger of falling and ways to prevent it
2/11/2014
Silencing some hospital alarms may lead to better care
Boston Medical Center is attracting national attention as a hospital that apparently has conquered alarm fatigue
2/10/2014
Missouri hospitals simplify 'code' calls
Plain language thought to heighten patient safety, increase response time
2/10/2014
UK hospital opens infection control unit
Patients with infections previously were treated in 32 side rooms spread across West Suffolk hospital
2/10/2014
Facilities focus on fire safety after Quebec fire
Long-term care facilities stress prevention measure in wake of fatal blaze at wood facility with no sprinklers.
2/7/2014
Short sleeves recommended by infection control experts
White coats should be removed before patient contact, experts say
2/6/2014
Dedham, Mass., health center ends use of alarms
There have been fewer falls and the number of falls that result in injury has remained stable.
2/6/2014
Indian college to host meeting on hospital safety
The conference will explore standard, contemporary and futuristic approaches to create a safe environment at hospitals for patients and healthcare workers
2/5/2014
Hospital water taps contaminated with bacteria
Research finds significantly higher levels of infectious pathogens in water from faucet taps with aerators compared to water from deeper in the plumbing system
2/4/2014
CMS proposes rule on emergency preparedness
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule would establish national emergency preparedness requirements for 17 types of Medicare - and Medicaid-participating providers and suppliers
2/4/2014