Sustainable Operations - January 2014

SF General makes security changes after missing patient's death

Federally ordered changes have been made at San Francisco General Hospital following the death of a patient who was found in a stairwell at the hospital last October

1/31/2014



Bedpans get new cleaning solution

With the exception of the U.S., most industrialized nations now use mechanized bedpan washing technologies

1/31/2014



New CDC website to support long-term care infection control

Facilities can use the site to access the infection tracking system for long-term care facilities in the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network

1/31/2014



California lawmaker to introduce bill for oversight reforms of elderly care facilities

Bill would also increase training, and require facilities with residents who have restricted or specialized health conditions to employ trained medical personnel

1/31/2014



N.C. healthcare facility's burst pipes cause ceiling to fall in patient's room

Three lines in the sprinkler system of the Huntington Health and Rehabilitation facility ruptured

1/30/2014



Controlling hazardous material circulation in healthcare facilities

Five key things health care professionals should keep in mind when dealing with variables such as hazardous and sterile materials

1/30/2014



Australian Capital Territory hospital patients needlessly contracting infections, expert says

Medical school professor says the number of cases could be cut by half by boosting infection control procedures

1/30/2014



Discovery of worker's body in nursing facility raises security questions

Co-worker discovered corpse after men's bathroom goes unchecked, uncleaned for two days

1/29/2014



Minnesota lawmakers support reconstruction of hospital to increase security

Ongoing safety issues include a murder of a Minnesota Security Hospital patient by another patient in the facility.

1/29/2014



N.H. House backs bill requiring drug testing at healthcare facilities

The bill requires all licensed healthcare facilities in the state to implement drug-free workplace policies and must test employees where a 'reasonable suspicion exists'

1/29/2014



Hot water unnecessary for handwashing, study says

Water as cold as 40 degrees Fahrenheit reduced bacteria on hands just as well as warmer water, according to a report

1/29/2014



Oahu hospital expects to slash electricity bill with energy retrofit

The energy overhaul, including a new central air conditioning and heat system and lighting upgrades, is expected to cost $5.8 million

1/29/2014



Integrated pest management key to keeping healthcare facilities safe

Pests particularly dangerous in a healthcare environment filled with patients with weakened immune systems

1/29/2014



Dozens feared dead after Quebec nursing home fire

Five people were confirmed dead and 31 were missing after a fire at Canadian nursing home built out of wood

1/28/2014



Behaviors, tools key to hospital safety

Florida hospital has adopted error-prevention tools and behaviors from commercial aviation and nuclear power, high-risk ventures that have implemented highly successful safety standards

1/28/2014



Up-to-date infection control technology, vigilance are musts for dental facility

When looking at the technology for a dental facility. it's important to consider what's most effective in the the sterilization area

1/28/2014



Infection control needs relationship between clinicians and environmental services

Infection control team and the environmental services/housekeeping team have recognized the importance of sharing their expertise for the benefit of all

1/28/2014



Hospital presentation facilities have unique needs

The right lecterns and sound systems for healthcare settings must fit with the location and purpose

1/28/2014



Minnesota reporting system cuts hospital errors, study said.

Deaths and other harm to patients from preventable errors such as falls and surgical mistakes have dropped in the 10 years since Minnesota started requiring hospitals and other care centers to report them

1/28/2014



Green operating room program reducing waste

Practice Greenhealth's mission is to raise awareness and educate hospitals about how they can develop a more sustainable OR

1/27/2014



EHR incentive program on track, according to survey

Nearly 80% of office-based physicians use some type of electronic health record system, an increase of 60 percentage points since 2001 and nearly double the percent in 2008

1/27/2014



CMS issues update to equipment maintenance guideline

Memo requires all hospital medical imaging and radiation therapy equipment to be maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended standards

1/27/2014



AHRQ releases report on HAIs and design

'Understanding the Role of Facility Design In the Acquisition and Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections,' provides in-depth analysis on design and HAIs from industry and university experts

1/27/2014



Florida hospitals serving organic, locally grown food

St. Vincent's Clay County, other hospitals focusing on 'superfoods,' locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as all-natural meat, fish and poultry

1/27/2014



Hospital parking fees angering patients

Some hospitals lowering fees after patient complaints. Many suburban or rural areas facilities don't charge for parking.

1/24/2014



Catholic Health launches program to cut energy use

Healthcare system will use multiple strategies to cut energy use by $11 million to $17 million across its 87 acute care hospitals by July 2015

1/24/2014



Few physicians ready for Stage 2 'Meaningful Use' according to survey

One in eight has an electronic health record system capable of supporting most requirements for Stage 2 of the "meaningful use" program, according to government report

1/24/2014



Stanford Hospital clinical recycling study reveals 75% cost savings

Recycling program will divert more than 110 tons of non-infectious packaging material from landfill annually, with plastics representing nearly 70 percent

1/24/2014



Education key for ES technicians

Knowledge about infection containment solutions will help workers become advocates for their own safety

1/24/2014



Infection control accreditation program launched in Indian state

Maharashtra became the third state in the country to launch the NABH-Safe-ITSM Infection Control accreditation program for hospitals

1/24/2014



OneTogether takes aim at HAIs with small actions

New initiative aims to reduce the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections by increasing awareness of how the small, individual actions of every healthcare worker can have an influence on patient health and safety

1/23/2014



Falls prevention program produces encouraging results

A combination of technology and personal attention is helping prevent patient falls at Greenwich Hospital

1/23/2014



Medical waste management training portal launched

Portal provides information on U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Transportation regulations

1/23/2014



Hand hygiene stressed at Philippines symposium

Efforts underway to increase patient safety as cases of measles are on the rise

1/23/2014



It's not about dirt: Dealing with non-soiling issues in carpet care

Apparent soiling and denting can't be cleaned but can be fixed

1/23/2014



Are your patient pillows clean?

One hospital study found that the patient-ready, decontaminated reusable vinyl covered pillows were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria

1/22/2014



Fire safety improvement linked to codes and enforcement

With one exception, the number of fires has dropped continuously each year from 6,830 in 2003 to 5,540 in 2010

1/22/2014



New Year's resolutions for hospital CFOs

CFOs urges to invest, conserve, challenge the status quo and take calculated risks

1/22/2014



Unlocking the code of visual and audible fire alarms

EP4 is another Element of Performance with a high number of individual devices that need to be listed as part of an inventory. As with other EPs in this standard, complete documentation is key to demonstrating compliance with the standard.

1/22/2014



'Smart beds' can improve safety

New beds help patients stay safe, while 'smart' capabilities help nurses analyze information and improve patient care

1/22/2014



Healthcare facilities need a 21st century continuity plan

Business continuity plan must be an integral part of strategic operations, involving all levels of the organization

1/22/2014



Fort Wayne hospital wants own police force

Indiana bill calls for security officers to have full police powers while on hospital grounds

1/21/2014



Hospitals and med tech companies join patient safety movement

Group pledges to work to reduce preventable patient deaths to zero by 2020

1/21/2014



Quality assurance program key to environmental services

New tools and devices, including simulation training, are available to improve the quality of healthcare services

1/21/2014



Rural health IT adoption faces challenges

Support from the federal government and other organizations, are helping rural healthcare provides make progress with meaningful use

1/21/2014



Unlocking the code of fire safety initiating devices

Creating a complete inventory of all initiating devices is a mandatory requirement and an essential first step in the process

1/21/2014



Clinics more efficient, cost-effective, health officials say

Healthcare efficiency trends are causing a California county clinic construction boom

1/21/2014



Cut materials waste in surgery centers

Overstocking inventory the biggest culprit in waste

1/21/2014



Healthcare sector to test for cyber attack

The simulation will be the first time insurers, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the Health and Human Services Department will collaborate on a test

1/20/2014



Hospital cuts alarm fatigue by decreasing noise

Boston Medical Center reduces audible alarms as a way to combat alarm fatigue and improve patient safety

1/20/2014



OSHA releases new resources to protect hospital workers and enhance patient safety

Website includes information to help hospitals prevent worker injuries, assess workplace safety needs, enhance safe patient handling programs, and implement safety and health management systems

1/20/2014



Unlocking the code to fire safety equipment compliance

To ensure compliance with this standard, hospital facility directors should be familiar with the related code requirements themselves and knowledgeable about their interpretation

1/20/2014



Improving speech privacy and noise control for healthcare

Noise can actually harm patients by elevating heart rate and blood pressure. Noise prevents patients from getting the rest they need, weakening the immune system and leading to problems during the day such as agitation, delirium and decreased tolerance to pain

1/20/2014



University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to 're-educate' staff about waste disposal

A box of syringes found at a landfill last week was traced back to a UPMC hospital

1/17/2014



Ohio health system tries high-tech tool for infection prevention

Radio frequency identification technology used to monitor hand-washing station at one OhioHealth's hospitals in Columbus

1/17/2014



Tips on sprinklers for water curtains

Advice for navigating the Life Safety Code on sprinkler placement for water curtains

1/17/2014



Some hospital safety showers found to be faulty

Showers designed to minimize microbial contamination have been shown to raise the risk of spraying contamination over hospital patients

1/17/2014



Integrated systems can boost hospital safety

Web-based solutions allow facilities to access security systems from virtually any location connected to its network

1/17/2014



U.S. News hospital rankings to give patient safety more weight

In 12 specialties, the weight given to patient safety will double to 10% of the overall score. Reputation's weight will drop from 32.5% to 27.5%

1/17/2014



Wi-Fi can help secure an OB unit

Ability to see the infant anywhere covered by Wi-Fi expands the range of possibilities for using infant protection solutions

1/16/2014



FDA bed rail guidelines leave long-term care in gray area

Nursing home beds may not be subject to Food and Drug Administration regulation, and aftermarket products that might be used on a medical or hospital style bed are sold without FDA scrutiny

1/16/2014



How to make the case for hospital infrastructure funding

Getting depreciation funding often involves selling the maintenance mission and needs a multifaceted approach.

1/16/2014



Boston firm helps hospitals share expensive equipment

Fleet of vans and specially trained movers help hospital systems lower costs by sharing equipment among different facilities

1/16/2014



Union seeks answers on 180 worker-safety complaints at hospital

Covenant HealthCare Nutrition Services can provide nutritionally evaluated meals for discharged patients with special diets

1/15/2014



Michigan health system offering 'Healthy Meals to Go' program

Covenant HealthCare Nutrition Services can provide nutritionally evaluated meals for discharged patients with special diets

1/15/2014



MRSA infection rates drop in VA long-term care facilities

Four years after implementing a national initiative, MRSA infections have declined

1/15/2014



A facility portfolio analysis can assist master planning

Portfolio prioritization is one key piece of information to evaluate when considering funding projects

1/15/2014



ACOs tech needs go beyond EHRs

Report says accountable care organizations need CPOE, admission/discharge/transfer, billing, practice management, enrollment and care management systems

1/15/2014



APIC publishes new guide on long-term care infection prevention

Infection preventionists in long-term care facilities face unique challenges due to the nature of the care setting and an aging resident population

1/14/2014



Australian healthcare system maintains unisex wards despite complaints

Queensland Hospital patients report embarrassment and awkwardness of sharing a hospital ward with the opposite sex

1/14/2014



Facility Guidelines Institute update reflects the times, CEO says

FGI 2014 guidelines includes new language on safety risk assessments and increased requirements for commissioning infrastructure systems

1/14/2014



Website aims to reduce hospital injuries

NoInjuries.com will offer healthcare providers news, educational materials, tips, tools and resources to use throughout the workplace

1/14/2014



UPS opens expanded healthcare distribution facility in Ontario

New addition provides healthcare companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers with a total 600,000 square feet of temperature and humidity controlled environments

1/14/2014



Squashing bedbug myths

Inaccurate information infestations follow tales of bedbugs

1/13/2014



Reducing the risk of HAIs through effective environmental cleaning processes

Multiple studies have shown that less than 50 percent of hospital room surfaces tested were cleaned effectively upon terminal room cleaning, despite having the appearance of being cleaned and prepared for the next patient admission

1/13/2014



Northwestern Memorial elevates food service with improved restaurants

Rising consumer expectations feed growth of hospital restaurant options

1/13/2014



Joint Commission 2014 National Patient Safety Goals released

The first phase calls for hospitals to establish alarm safety as an organizational priority

1/13/2014



Study says hand hygiene prior to gloves is unnecessary

Using an alcohol-based cleanser before putting on gloves did not significantly change total bacterial colony counts

1/13/2014



Pennsylvania city considers protester-free zones around healthcare facility doors

York City ordinance would ban protesters from a 30-foot 'buffer zone' around the entrances and exits of York City healthcare facilities

1/10/2014



Some UK hospitals to replace bedside charts with iPads

The Oxford plan - to be rolled out with up to 500 tablets throughout 2014 is expected to save time and improve safety

1/10/2014



Streamlining instrument tray cleaning

Sterile processing department can be weighed down by many unnecessary and inefficient steps

1/10/2014



Irish hospitals going tobacco-free

Smoking will not be permitted anywhere on the grounds of healthcare facilities

1/10/2014



Facility management value to patient care demonstrated through benchmarking

Data shows highest facility operating costs occur for maintaining buildings at 16 to 20 years

1/10/2014



Patient room TVs an untapped resource

TVs can deliver condition-specific patient education, hospital marketing and informational content, and other customized hospital channels

1/9/2014



Hospital-acquired infections take toll on patients, bottom line

One in 20 patients acquire infections while receiving care at U.S. hospitals, according to the CDC

1/9/2014



Tougher emergency preparedness rules proposed for long-term care facilities

CMS guidelines would make long-term care facilities subject to similar requirements as hospitals

1/9/2014



Listen to podcast on disinfecting soft surfaces

Disinfecting soft, non-launderable surfaces such as upholstery, carpeting and draperies one of trickiest cleaning obstacles

1/9/2014



Pennsylvania hospitals may skip some state reviews

Pennsylvania Department of Health can grant "deemed status" for licensure purposes to hospitals that have been accredited by national accreditation organizations

1/9/2014



Mix of air purification methods helps indoor air quality

Combining ultraviolet germicidal irradiation light and gas-phase air purification with photo catalytic oxidation called a a new and powerful tool

1/9/2014



Mobile devices major source of germ transmission

Health and electronics experts advise wiping down mobile devices with a moist microfiber cloth at least daily for basic sanitation

1/8/2014



ASHE app offers resources to go

Mobile site includes regulatory updates, news, educational opportunities

1/8/2014



A prescription for medical facility energy management

A goal of energy productivity can not only reduce energy costs, but also improve energy reliability and a hospital's long-term financial health

1/8/2014



Navigating final changes to EPA emissions standards for area source boilers

Healthcare organizations have three years to comply and may have the option to apply for a one-year extension

1/8/2014



Making parking easier for the baby boomer generation

Design of healthcare facility parking lots and parking spaces should be considered when planning for more elderly drivers

1/7/2014



Tennessee health system to retain outside vendors during $10 million renovation of food services

Erlanger assures staff that new food service contract won't drop favorite eateries

1/7/2014



New York hospital partners with utility to cut energy, water use

Nyack Hospital to invest $1 million in energy- and water-saving upgrades

1/7/2014



NIOSH launches web page with cleaning resources

Site describes hazards associated with common cleaning tasks, including those performed in healthcare facilities.

1/7/2014



Medical waste found in Pennsylvania landfill

Blood bags, surgical sponges and what might be human tissue keep turning up at a Monroeville landfill

1/7/2014



Study says evaluation of infection prevention policies can reveal opportunities for improvement

American Journal of Infection Control survey says identifying gaps in infection prevention practices can improved patient safety

1/7/2014



Illinois hospital drill strives for failure

Harrisburg Medical Center tests emergency procedures to find weak spots

1/6/2014



Patient transmission causes minority of ICU S. aureus acquisitions

Data from whole-genome sequencing suggest that few Staphylococcus aureus acquisitions in the ICU are the result of patient-to-patient transmission

1/6/2014



Bacteria survives on toys, books, cribs for longer than expected

Study suggests additional precautions may be needed especially in hospitals, daycare centers

1/6/2014



Bristol Children's Hospital ordered to improve cleanliness after inspection

The Care Quality Commission found that poor hygiene in the UK hospital's operating department were increasing the risk of infection

1/3/2014



Hospital installs safeguards to protect medical devices from cyber-attacks

Methodist Hospital of Southern California invests in an integrated systems management program, which reduces vulnerability of its more than 6,000 devices

1/3/2014



UK infirmary kiosks to help in the fight against infection

Three new handwashing kiosks have been installed in the main entrance to Hull Royal Infirmary

1/3/2014



Waiting room environment and experience effects patient satisfaction

Study says free internet would lessen frustration without time waiting for appointment

1/3/2014



New EPA clean air rules will affect hospital power systems

Regulations limit allowable exhaust emissions and changed the rules applying to certain types of system operations

1/2/2014



Study shows healthcare staff contaminated with C. diff after routine care

Nearly 1 in 4 healthcare workers' hands were contaminated with Clostridium difficile spores after routine care of patients infected with the bacteria

1/2/2014



Well-designed power, air and water systems can enhance care

In the health care setting, the ability to cultivate wellness doesn't end with its people

1/2/2014



 
 
 


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