Groundskeeping - February 2013
Experts offer emergency action plan tips in case of hospital shooting
While it is impossible to create a zero-risk environment for gun violence in any workplace, including healthcare facilities, it is possible to be prepared for how employees would handle such an event should it occur.
2/28/2013
Training webinar offered on healthcare workplace violence and prevention
Mentor Health will offer a training webinar on workplace violence in healthcare facilities on April 30.
2/27/2013
EPA recognizes medical centers for energy savings, emissions reduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Feb. 20 recognized three healthcare facilities with the Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Award.
2/25/2013
EPA recognizes medical centers for energy savings, emissions reduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Feb. 20 recognized three healthcare facilities with the Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Award.
2/25/2013
Ten steps to stretch healthcare data center capacity
While avoiding a new data center is not possible indefinitely, it is possible for healthcare facility managers to stretch their existing data center infrastructure to support as much IT growth as possible.
2/25/2013
ICC safety code updates have big impact on hospitals
The International Code Council (ICC) has recently approved several proposals for the 2015 edition of the International Building Code with direct repercussions for hospitals.
2/20/2013
Patient infection rates have financial implications for hospitals
Healthcare facilities continue to increase their efforts to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAI) not only for the good of the patients, but also for the financial implications for the hospitals.
2/20/2013
Design by assumption can prove deadly in behavioral health facilities
Psychiatric hospitals have their own design needs and do not necessarily benefit from the evidence-based design practices suitable for a general hospital.
2/15/2013
Free webcast addresses preventing the spread of C. diff infections
CleanLink.com will host the free webcast "Preventing the Spread of C. diff" March 6 at 1 p.m. Eastern.
2/13/2013
Joplin hospital rebuilds, aiming to withstand monster tornados
After an EF5 tornado ripped apart St. John's Regional Medical Center on May 22, 2011, the Joplin, Mo., hospital is making every effort to rebuild with a new hardened facility designed to stand up to devastating wind forces.
2/13/2013
Healthcare industry making inroads to greening supply chain
The healthcare industry is moving forward in defining environmentally preferable purchasing standards and establishing common standards for contracting for products
2/12/2013
Pros offer tips for Lean healthcare facility planning
The ongoing need to do more with less has led many healthcare organizations to adopt the principles of Lean management across the system, from clinical care to facilities planning.
2/11/2013
Healthcare environmental services leadership requires diverse skills
Hospital administrators need environmental services (ES) leaders who can demonstrate high competency across a wide swath of knowledge, skills and abilities.
2/8/2013
Crozer-Keystone Health System decentralizes to gain market share
At Crozer-Keystone Health System just west of Philadelphia, the vice president of facility planning and development has been leveraging community-based outpatient facilities to cater to the healthcare consumer's desire for choice and convenience.
2/7/2013
Ventilation strategies can mitigate HAIs from isolation rooms
When designing and operating an airborne infection isolation (Aii) room, consider ventilation strategies including dilution and removal of contaminated air to reduce the risk for healthcare-acquired infections.
2/6/2013
Group devises facilities funding plan across health system
The Facilities Resource Group at Ascension Health has devised a plan so facilities projects don't compete for capital funds with clinical projects.
2/6/2013
Benefits of green roofs inspire growing trend in healthcare facilities
As healthcare organizations continue to move toward more sustainable business models, with emphasis placed on energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, the popularity of installing vegetative roofs is likely to grow.
2/5/2013
NYC hospitals improving emergency preparedness post Sandy
Three months after superstorm Sandy, New York City hospitals have begun moving forward with plans to improve emergency preparedness at their facilities.
2/4/2013
Healthcare facilities focus on cleaning to reduce patient infections
With Medicare and Medicaid payments now tied to how well healthcare providers protect patients from hospital-acquired infections, reducing HAIs has become an even larger priority for healthcare facilities. One of the major components to reducing HAIs is effective cleaning and disinfecting.
2/1/2013