Sustainable Operations - September 2019
VA regional director on leave after dying Georgia veteran found covered in ant bites
VA announced a series of changes at the assisted-living facility
9/30/2019
Survey: Campuses embracing access control, lockdown solutions
Nine in 10 respondents say they have adopted new or improved lockdown/shelter-in-place policies and procedures
9/30/2019
Vermont hospital uses trailer as temporary laundry solution
Copley Hospital searching for a new healthcare linen vendor
9/30/2019
Cost of data breaches most in healthcare industry
Data breaches in healthcare sector almost double that of the global average
9/30/2019
Plastic piping can offer savings, flexibility
A range options for new construction and renovation offer flexibility, cost efficiency and easy installation
9/30/2019
Montreal hospital to spend $4.5 million on security upgrades
A range options for new construction and renovation offer flexibility, cost efficiency and easy installation
9/30/2019
WHO raises concerns over possible unreported Ebola cases in Tanzania
Tanzania has not shared ebola tests so they can be validated at an outside laboratory
9/27/2019
Bahamas clinic loses staff, power and water — stays open
A massive generator was eventually delivered by the Dutch navy
9/27/2019
Report: Children's hospital's cabling could trigger fire
The issue comes after claims that the hospital had serious drainage and ventilation problems
9/27/2019
Kaiser Permanente earns EPA green energy award
The award recognizes a renewable energy agreement that will enable the system to become carbon neutral in 2020
9/27/2019
Tips for medical device cybersecurity
Device cybersecurity called the biggest challenge hospitals face today
9/27/2019
N.Y. hospital restricts access due to bedbugs
Glens Falls Hospital restricts Cancer Center's outpatient area
9/26/2019
Environmental service department leaders urged to embrace change
Change and innovation are at the forefront in healthcare
9/26/2019
Should facility laundries 'own' infection prevention textiles?
Infection prevention microfiber textile products should no longer be purchased and owned by environmental services, article says
9/25/2019
Some Ga. hospitals replace color-based emergency codes with plain language
The use of plain language emergency alerts is recommended by federal agencies
9/25/2019
What should be included in a networked lighting controls system?
The anatomy of an advanced lighting controls system can seem tricky
9/25/2019
What should be included in a networked lighting controls system?
The anatomy of an advanced lighting controls system can seem tricky
9/25/2019
Hospitals urged to cooperate to beat hackers
Security frameworks and threat intelligence sharing already exist
9/25/2019
Wyoming hospital cuts services because of hacker attack
Campbell County Memorial Hospital, a 90-bed hospital was still operating
9/24/2019
Technology helps makes Stanford Hospital safer, more efficient
New facilities features lots of high-tech, but some older systems still remain
9/24/2019
Laundry operations need to balance caregiving, cleanliness, costs
Choosing equipment depends on a variety of factors
9/24/2019
U of Chicago moved patients before nursing strike
Pediatric patients in the ICU were moved to other hospitals
9/23/2019
Candida auris found at Brooklyn nursing home
There have been 881 confirmed cases in N.Y. with nearly 200 deaths
9/23/2019
Climate control efforts can support healthy environment during healthcare construction
Mold, microbes and other airborne particles can be introduced into the environment
9/23/2019
The ups and downs of elevator services: A primer on contract negotiations
With the right contract negotiation strategies—and thorough knowledge of the elevator industry—hospitals can maintain high-quality elevator service and save money
9/23/2019
4 more Legionnaires' cases at Illinois senior facility
There are now 12 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported at Batavia facility
9/20/2019
Ant infestation at Georgia veterans facility is being investigated
Lawmakers want to know why Veterans Affairs officials did not react more quickly
9/20/2019
80,000+ Kaiser workers may strike in October
Housekeepers are among the jobs affected by the picket lines
9/20/2019
Innovation, automation and a 21st Century end-user experience: Aligning expectations with reality
It is incumbent upon IT partners to narrow the gap that exists between reality and expectations
9/20/2019
Focusing on bond prevention is one sustainable snow strategy
Implementing best practices when using deicers can help keep surfaces clear
9/20/2019
Deadly fungus must spur big changes in infection control
Expert says the best way to prepare for Candida auris is to really examine the culture around infection control in the nursing home
9/20/2019
Nursing homes feeding Candida Auris
Cleaning up America's nursing homes should be a priority
9/19/2019
Hospital employee killed after Ohio man crashes truck into ER
The medical center was closed due to structural damage
9/19/2019
Healthcare delivered in a damaged hospital, field hospitals and pop-up clinics in the Bahamas
It was estimated that 90% of equipment and supplies – and all the hospital beds – in Rand Memorial Hospital on Grand Bahama Island were damaged
9/19/2019
California hospital disaster planning conference dealing with new normal
What were once rare or infrequent events have now become regular occurrences in California
9/19/2019
Cybersecurity still possible on a tight budget
A good information security plan can be affordable
9/19/2019
No injuries after tornado hits South Dakota hospital
Dozens of buildings were damaged or destroyed, trees torn up and power lines downed
9/18/2019
N.J. hospital administrator charged with bringing gun onto grounds without permission
The incident occurred during an 18-month reform plan instituted after an outside consultant found widespread problems at New Jersey's psychiatric hospitals
9/18/2019
Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Delayed egress locks
Brad Keyes discusses regulations for delayed egress locks
9/18/2019
Blockchain technology in healthcare market to hit $1.6 billion by 2025
Healthcare organizations continue to be the subject of attacks by hackers seeking access to patient data for resale on the black market
9/18/2019
Door selection can impact infection control
Touchless doors can help stop the spread of germs and bacteria
9/18/2019
When Dorian hit, Fla.’s generator requirements were not enforced
Following Hurricane Irma, Florida changed its regulations to require backup generators and enough fuel to maintain comfortable temperatures
9/17/2019
The critical condition of hospital power
Load bank testing for hospital generators is a crucial industry requirement.
9/17/2019
Overcrowding at Irish hospitals leading to co-ed wards
Patients also waiting on gurneys for the next empty bed
9/17/2019
Cladding to be removed at Oxford's Churchill and Children's hospitals
The wrong materials were used at the two healthcare facilities
9/17/2019
Strategies for water conservation
Water audits and leak-detection technology can help managers curtail facility water use
9/17/2019
Bahamas healthcare facilities struggle to deal with decomposing bodies after Dorian
Bahamas’ only functioning public hospital expects the death toll would be 'staggering,' and two refrigerated, 40-foot trucks would be needed
9/16/2019
Houston hospital declares 'internal disaster' after water main breaks
Declaring a systemwide internal disaster helped manage ambulance and patient volume
9/16/2019
Creating a successful healthcare facility management partnership
Misperceptions can hamper a partnership with an FM service provider
9/16/2019
Cancer patient forced to stop chemo early because of rare hospital infection
Three children had contracted infections while being treated for cancer at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
9/16/2019
Electrostatic sprayers can help control infections, save time
Machines allow janitors to sanitize and disinfect high touchpoints every day
9/16/2019
Dog to join Washington hospital security staff
The canine officer was added to help deter violence
9/13/2019
Greener healthcare facilities could mean lower healthcare costs
Healthcare facilities can generate a massive amount of waste and energy use
9/13/2019
Key steps to boosting facility security
Focusing on assessment, specification and implementation allows managers can streamline installation and enhance access control
9/13/2019
Best practices for cleaning, disinfection
Cleaning, disinfecting critical to prevention of hospital-acquired infections
9/13/2019
When computers crashed, one Milwaukee hospital turned away ambulances
At least four patients, including one who was having a life-threatening heart attack, were turned away
9/12/2019
Hospital staffers move babies to safety in 'mini ICU on wheels' ahead of hurricane
Three teams of drivers, respiratory nurses and therapists from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta drove to a pair of hospitals in Savannah
9/12/2019
Long-term care residents moved to safer ground ahead of Dorian
More than 380 people were evacuated from North Carolina long-term care centers
9/12/2019
Cybersecurity is a top safety issue for healthcare facilities
Cybersecurity was listed behind severe weather and active shooter incidents
9/12/2019
Mayo Clinic Health Systems Austin temporarily offers valet parking
Construction at the hospital took away some handicap spots
9/11/2019
Report: Healthcare devices are becoming more vulnerable to cyberattack
Forty percent of the devices medical professional are using are IoT devices
9/11/2019
Four cases of Legionnaires’ confirmed at Illinois retirement facility
Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Batavia is being investigated
9/10/2019
Hospitals are being rebuilt for stronger storms
The resilience of hospitals is especially important for areas that only have one major medical center
9/10/2019
Family sues healthcare center after man dies during Hurricane Harvey
Suit alleges one of its properties was poorly prepared for the storm
9/10/2019
Stopping cold drafts in their tracks
Suit alleges one of its properties were poorly prepared for the storm
9/10/2019
Children's mental health facility designed for connecting with nature
The Reach Out Centre for Kids focuses on the link between natural development and the close relationships children share with the living, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
9/10/2019
Rural hospital staff had to go to Dollar General for supplies
Surgeries were allegedly delayed because of a lack of supplies
9/10/2019
Doctor brings 'Solar Suitcases' to hospitals without reliable power
We Care Solar is a nonprofit that distributes Solar Suitcases
9/9/2019
Ebola outbreak surpasses 3,000 cases
The second-largest, second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in history has exceeded 2,000 deaths
9/9/2019
Dorian forces more than 100 Florida healthcare facilities to evacuate
Facilities moved patients and residents to other facilities and buildings inland
9/9/2019
Maintaining sidewalks and parking garages requires a comprehensive, strategic approach
Hardscape components need a comprehensive program that helps technicians address small problems early
9/9/2019
Cybersecurity responsibility shared by entire healthcare supply chain
Increased use of connected medical devices and software and wireless technology have made health systems more vulnerable
9/9/2019
Space Coast hospitals, nursing homes prepped for Dorian
The emergency management coordinator for Brevard County started daily conference calls with local hospital systems last week
9/6/2019
Former Georgia hospital security director charged with stealing guns, money
Security director at DeKalb Medical accused of stealing more than 90 guns, $20,000
9/6/2019
Hundreds of Florida nursing homes didn’t meet requirements ahead of Dorian
Eldercare facilities remain under scrutiny two years after Hurricane Irma
9/6/2019
FDA says healthcare facilities should use safer scopes
Agency suggests companies make disposable versions
9/6/2019
CDC report: More than 750 C. auris cases in U.S.
The number of confirmed cases hit 725 (with 30 more probable) as of June 30
9/5/2019
Finding security solutions in healthcare spaces
More facilities are transitioning from traditional keys to smart technology
9/5/2019
Woman assaults security officer while trying to abduct child at Pa. hospital
The patient at Lancaster General Hospital took a 4-year-old from her mother
9/5/2019
Shoddy IT infrastructure invites hackers
Hackers are attracted to hospitals with rapid adoption of IT
9/5/2019
Looking to design a new space? Key considerations in AV technology
Audiovisual technology can be used within a building infrastructure to simply manage routine needs
9/4/2019
Florida hospitals install electronic paper patient and room information displays
Hospitals can display information without the glare and blue light of a typical LCD screen
9/4/2019
Securing patients' medical information
Unless your staff is trained and vigilant, all your security precautions might be for nothing
9/4/2019
Blockchain technology holds potential of transforming healthcare sector
Blockchain offers better confidentiality of patient information alongside quick access to required data
9/4/2019
Dogs in Vancouver hospital can sniff out C. diff
The dogs identified C. diff on medical equipment and in linen carts, hospital beds, waiting areas, and staff lockers
9/3/2019
Healthcare industry accounts for 70 percent of occupational violence
Nurses and other healthcare workers are more likely to face workplace violence than police officers and prison guards
9/3/2019
California hospital closes labor and delivery unit because of mold
The hospital discovered the mold July 18 in a nutrition room
9/3/2019
Often overlooked "un-washable” surfaces in healthcare facilities harbor bacteria
The system will generate 2.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean, renewable power per year
9/3/2019
Tips for hiring healthcare cybersecurity pros
Cybersecurity requires people from all backgrounds and majors
9/3/2019
