Sustainable Operations - August 2019
Water coolers banned from Scotland's hospitals due to infection risk
Action has been taken because of the potential for bacteria to grow in the nozzle and the water bottle if not routinely used
8/30/2019
Safety issues at Florida VA hospital linked to patient suicide
Cameras the hospital was required to have on the unit for patient safety reasons hadn't worked in three years
8/30/2019
CHPs a smart solution to combat increasing blackout risks facing healthcare facilities
Many healthcare facilities aren’t properly prepared for what is increasingly becoming a more recurrent threat
8/30/2019
Healthcare workers don't like hand-hygiene monitoring, but it works
Survey responses revealed negative attitudes about the system
8/30/2019
Planning lighting systems in healthcare facilities
With planning, managers can ensures the success of maintenance and upgrades of plumbing systems
8/30/2019
When disaster strikes, FEMA money is available to hospitals that file quickly
Hospitals often don't file for the funds because they're unaware of what can be reimbursed and there is only a 30-day window to apply
8/29/2019
Immediate feedback helps with electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems
Systems with immediate feedback perform slightly better.
8/29/2019
South Bend hospital police named best in the state
The Memorial Hospital police department started five years ago with eight officers and has grown to 15
8/29/2019
New behavioral health unit installs durable lighting with architectural touches
Robust lighting that could withstand high levels of abuse while trying to minimize the institutional look of fixtures was installed
8/29/2019
Balancing security and access in healthcare facilities
Certain challenges are unique to healthcare facilities
8/28/2019
Patient sues Illinois hospital after contracting Legionnaires’
The suit alleges the hospital didn’t take proper precautions following a previous outbreak
8/28/2019
‘Smart hospitals’ are on the horizon
These buildings perform functions like a medical practitioner
8/27/2019
Hospitals working to meet the challenge of seismic safety
Being able to ride out a major quake and remain operational doesn’t come cheap
8/27/2019
Personalize heat to match the space
Keeping occupants of a facility warm and comfortable is a year-round priority
8/27/2019
Case study: The prescription for EMI New York City
The operating room of a major hospital in New York City is free from the effects of EMI
8/27/2019
The maintenance staff has a role in infection prevention
Facility professionals are constantly moving throughout the facility and may be able to spot potential problems
8/26/2019
Candida auris now one of the world's most feared hospital microbes
New research suggests higher temperatures may have led to an increase in infections
8/26/2019
Mission: Revamp Healthcare 2019 — Top policies this year to reimagine healthcare
One of the greatest challenges in healthcare is keeping up with the changing landscape
8/26/2019
Big data start-ups set to change healthcare
Healthcare is a sector which relies heavily on data and relay of information, so naturally there are lots of companies springing up
8/26/2019
C. difficile strain evolving to live in hospital rooms
A subset of Clostridium difficile bacteria is on the verge of becoming a new species
8/23/2019
Security catches woman trying to kidnap toddler from N.Y. hospital
The suspect allegedly took a stroller with a two-year-old inside and fled St. Joseph’s Hospital
8/23/2019
Rhode Island hospital employees to get panic buttons
Contract with Our Lady of Fatima Hospital addresses concerns around safety
8/23/2019
Maintaining sidewalks and parking garages requires a comprehensive, strategic approach
By developing inspection guidelines for common causes of problems, managers can extend the performance life of concrete components
8/23/2019
Massachusetts hospital deploys security video management software
Massachusetts General Hospital has 1,300 security cameras recording around the clock
8/23/2019
Ebola spreads to third Congo province
South Kivu is located over 430 miles south of where the outbreak first began
8/22/2019
2019 Environmental Services Departments of the Year named
The award recognizes best practices in cleaning and caring for the healthcare environment
8/22/2019
Healthcare facilities must manage emergencies for hours, days after
Healthcare systems should maintain vigilant foresight
8/22/2019
Patient who woke up covered in bugs at Detroit hospital takes legal action
Henry Ford traced the bed bugs back to wet, infested clothing that was placed under the mattress of a gurney
8/21/2019
Planning healthcare facilities for the future
Managers can ensure the success of maintenance and upgrades of HVAC, plumbing and lighting systems
8/21/2019
Boston Children’s Hospital using Alexa to help parents and caregivers
Amazon asked healthcare facilities to test Alexa’s new HIPAA-compliant technology
8/21/2019
Massachusetts hospital integrates security camera system
System reviews and monitors more than 1,000 security cameras
8/20/2019
Two cancer patients catch rare bugs linked to hospital water supply
Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University Hospital has sealed off part of the facility
8/19/2019
Healthcare industry major source of harmful emissions
Doctors suggest multi-faceted approach to incorporate environmental sustainability into value assessments in healthcare
8/19/2019
‘Playbook’ preps Rhode Island healthcare facilities for power outages
'Protecting Patients When Disaster Strikes' describes the before-during-after of a power outage
8/19/2019
Hospital cleaning bundle efficient and cost-effective
Method also reduces vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections by 37 percent
8/16/2019
Wyoming Medical Center upgrades security after shooting
A man who opened fire inside of Wyoming Medical Center in March
8/16/2019
First Legionnaires’ death linked to Atlanta outbreak confirmed
Air conditioning units are prime breeding grounds for the bacteria
8/16/2019
University Health Network: Exhaust fan app boosts savings
DCV control of labs' air supply initially saved approximately $800,000
8/16/2019
Hospitals prep for the worst as mass shootings become more common
Hospitals mandate training for tragedy
8/15/2019
Resources can help reduce Legionella risk
Resources distributed by ASHRAE include Standard 188, which provides a comprehensive approach to help prevent the growth and spread of Legionella within building water systems
8/15/2019
Three trending security technologies
Drones, robots and advanced access control changing facilities management
8/15/2019
Security changes causing concern at Fla. hospital
JFK Medical Center in Atlantis removing medical detectors, police
8/14/2019
Up to half of patient food in Irish hospitals is not eaten
Health officials are working on guidelines to address food waste
8/14/2019
Identifying and addressing DAS requirements in today’s hospital
DAS allows all users of the building, whether it be communicating infrastructure or a personal or business phone, to connect to their carrier of choice at full signal strength
8/14/2019
Glasgow hospital spends more than $500,000 to kill pests after pigeon droppings crisis
Anti-bird spikes and netting have been installed and chemicals were used to kill mold and fungus
8/13/2019
Digital footprints boost safety for newborns
California hospital captures high-resolution images for better identification
8/13/2019
Sixth death in UK Listeria outbreak linked to hospital food
The death has been linked to sandwiches from Good Food Chain products served at St. Richard’s Hospital
8/13/2019
Study: Cigarette smoke boosts MRSA drug-resistance
Smoke also may make MRSA more invasive and persistent
8/13/2019
Telehealth market expected to see a 23.4 percent compound annual growth rate
Growth is driven by increasing health awareness and adoption of online health consultation
8/13/2019
Wash. hospital adds dog to its security force
Tacoma General Hospital security dog expected to prevent assaults, help patients
8/12/2019
Candida Auris called 'new bug using old tricks'
C. auris acts more like a multidrug-resistant, healthcare-associated bacteria than like a typical yeast
8/12/2019
What do you know about hospital security?
Campus Safety Magazine offers a quiz on their website
8/12/2019
N.J. called hot spot for Candida auris
The CDC says most cases of Candida auris in the United States are in New York City, Chicago and New Jersey
8/12/2019
Non-regulated healthcare facilities taking resilience seriously
Technologies can help can cut costs and improve energy efficiency
8/12/2019
Hospital mobilizes to fight deadly Candida auris
Widespread overuse of antibiotics and antifungals has bred superbug species
8/9/2019
Boston hospital roof farm sprouts other initiatives
Boston Medical Center began operating a 2,658-square-foot farm on a roof terrace in 2017
8/9/2019
Tips to keep long-term care facilities safe
Younger people with serious mental illness getting treatment in senior living and care settings is contributing to an increase in violence
8/9/2019
Death from infection linked to pigeon feces at Glasgow hospital could lead to criminal proceedings
A boy was battling cancer at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow in December 2018 when he contracted Cryptococcus and died
8/8/2019
Hospitals use technology, training to support seismic readiness
Healthcare facilities are diversifying their communication tools, outfitting buildings with technology and running preparedness scenarios
8/8/2019
Key to improving EVS results can be found in the C-Suite
Creating an infection-free facility begins at the top with a commitment from management
8/8/2019
Glasgow hospital fire evacuation protocols called 'chaotic and confusing'
Staff member says patients and staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital could be at risk
8/8/2019
Load testing of electronic health records - what to look for
Load testing is an essential component in performance testing, and doing so in a production-like environment brings its benefits.
8/8/2019
Load testing of electronic health records - what to look for
Load testing is an essential component in performance testing, and doing so in a production-like environment brings its benefits.
8/8/2019
N.C. hospital goes on lockdown after patient says they opened envelope with white, powdery substance
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital lifted lockdown after testing substance
8/7/2019
Two cases of Legionnaires’ confirmed at Connecticut nursing facility
Apple Rehab is working to find the source of the bacteria and have taken precautions, including chlorine treatments for the water system.
8/7/2019
Healthcare facilities need preparation to avoid a cyberattack
A strong, flexible game plan is crucial
8/7/2019
Roof rat concerns force closure of Washington hospital's kitchen, cafeteria
Patients’ food was being prepared and brought in from another hospital
8/6/2019
Specifying sinks for sterile compounding (HD) environments doesn’t have to be a hazardous decision
Hospitals will pay it for this service, which it expects will be much faster and eventually cheaper than current couriers
8/6/2019
Be measles ready: Tips on how to be prepared for the next outbreak
There are a number of factors that make measles a particularly difficult virus to protect patients, staff and visitors from contracting
8/6/2019
Washington hospital works to improve safety after patient's death
The patient ran from the facility after tampering with a fire alarm
8/6/2019
UPS to use drones for hospital deliveries
Hospitals will pay it for this service, which it expects will be much faster and eventually cheaper than current couriers
8/6/2019
Hospital-acquired C. diff comes with a financial price tag
The average healthcare cost for patients with the C. diff infection was $43,718
8/5/2019
High levels of air pollution found at London hospital causes concern
Pollution may be coming from generators and boilers at St Bartholomew’s Hospital
8/5/2019
Study focuses on where disease-causing pathogens might be hiding in a longterm care facility
Researchers examined the possibility that electric hand dryers installed in public restrooms could spread disease
8/5/2019
Hundreds of Tampa Bay area nursing homes, assisted living facilities still without backup power
A Florida law fines facilities as much as $1,000 per day for failure to install permanent generators, but records show these facilities rarely paid fines
8/2/2019
Two cases of Legionnaires’ reported at Illinois hospital
It was unknown if the infected patients were exposed at the hospital
8/2/2019
Safeguarding healthcare facilities from legionella
Having control measures and procedures in place is the first step in mitigating Legionella risk
8/2/2019
158 employees at Seattle hospital potentially exposed to dangerous bacteria
The exposure occurred in an operating room and a laboratory in late June
8/2/2019
Healthcare facilities in Portugal test 'panic buttons' for staff
The devices send a rapid message indicating danger
8/2/2019
Superbugs can remain on surgical gowns after disinfection
Researchers tested single-use polypropylene surgical gowns infected with three strains of C. diff
8/1/2019
Regular inspections, testing helps keep sprinklers working properly
The reliability and effectiveness with which sprinklers operate cuts both the human and financial costs of fires
8/1/2019
Ransomware can put healthcare providers — and patients — in critical condition
Ransomware attacks have been numerous in hospitals and other health facilities recently, and the consequences can be dire
8/1/2019
