Environmental Services - January 2020

China's new coronavirus hospital half done in four days

The hospital is expected to take its first patients on February 3

1/31/2020



China says coronavirus can spread before symptoms show

The CDC says there is no clear evidence that patients are infectious before symptom onset

1/31/2020



Ebola virus, Lassa fever can be treated without infecting healthcare personnel

'Meticulous' implementation of infection control and clinical biosafety practices needed

1/31/2020



Economic analyst says the worst has yet to come with coronavirus

The number of new infections is still on the rise

1/31/2020



U.S. readiness for a viral outbreak better, but needs improvement

The U.S. has made progress in preparedness since Ebola

1/31/2020



Snakes could be the source of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak

Virus linked to the Chinese krait and the Chinese cobra

1/30/2020



Chinese city plans to build coronavirus hospital in days

Wuhan is constructing a 1,000-bed facility with prefab buildings

1/30/2020



Coronavirus death toll jumps to more than 80, five US cases confirmed

New coronavirus has been identified in Arizona, California, Illinois and Washington state

1/30/2020



Chocolate Lab training to be bomb-sniffing therapy dog in Ohio

Most of her life is going to be helping children. But the rest of the time she's have ongoing training for bomb detection

1/30/2020



Cardinal Health recalls 9 million surgical gowns

About 7.7 million were distributed to 2,807 facilities across the country

1/30/2020



Facts about the coronavirus outbreak

The respiratory infection originated in Wuhan, China

1/29/2020



US government just cut funding for the hospitals that deal with outbreaks

Hospitals are unlikely to invest the necessary resources to prepare for somewhat improbable events

1/29/2020



FEMA OKs funds to rebuild hospital in Puerto Rico after teen's death

A girl, 13, died after lacking a proper medical facility in Vieques

1/29/2020



Keeping your healthcare facility safe

How technology can help you achieve a safer healthcare environment

1/29/2020



Gaps found in Canadian hospitals’ preparedness for C. auris

The first multidrug-resistant case of the illness was reported in the country in 2017

1/29/2020



Veterans say the D.C. VA hospital is not safe for women

A woman said she was sexually assaulted at the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center four months ago

1/28/2020



CDC estimates flu has killed 6,600 in U.S.

The overall flu-associated hospitalization rate is in line with trends seen during this time last season

1/28/2020



Missouri hospital gives staff panic buttons

The use of the buttons is in a trial phase and is aimed at improving security in high-risk areas like the ER

1/28/2020



FEMA funding earthquake safety for Los Angeles hospital

Funds will go to non-structural bracing and anchoring of medical equipment, communications hardware, and supporting infrastructure

1/28/2020



Integrated infection prevention is essential for protecting patients

A growing number of clinical studies have demonstrated that “no-touch” technologies are effective in reducing bacterial contamination of surfaces and can reduce colonization/infection in patients admitted to these hospital rooms

1/28/2020



UV light fights germs on mobile devices

Ultraviolet rays kill nearly 100% of bacteria found on mobile devices in healthcare settings

1/28/2020



At least five patients with Wuhan coronavirus reported in U.S.

A man in Washington State is infected with the new respiratory virus, and there are more possible

1/27/2020



Detroit Medical Center cancels plan to outsource security jobs

Union filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board

1/27/2020



Addressing software challenges

Careful specification and implementation paves the way for enhanced productivity and performance

1/27/2020



Internet of Medical Things changing future of healthcare

The ability to collect, analyze and transmit health data, is changing care delivery

1/27/2020



Puerto Rico still lacking proper medical facilities since hurricane

Vieques has not had a functioning hospital since it was destroyed during Hurricane Maria more than two years ago

1/24/2020



Pa. health system cancels surgeries due to surgical gown issues

Cardinal Health warned customers that some of its surgical gowns may not be sterile

1/24/2020



Achieving a high-performance HVAC system

No building system has more impact on long-term facility operating costs than HVAC. Understand the true costs of HVAC, both initially and while in operation

1/24/2020



Copper surfaces reduce hand transmission in eldercare

Researchers investigated outbreaks in a nursing home

1/24/2020



Copper beds cut surface bacteria

On average, copper beds harbored 94 percent fewer bacteria than conventional beds

1/24/2020



White substance sparks hazmat incident at Idaho hospital

A patient entered Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center ER carrying a container of an unknown white substance

1/23/2020



Minnesota law to allow surveillance cameras in senior homes

Nursing homes and assisted-living facilities across the state are required to inform residents of their right to use the cameras

1/23/2020



Reduced capacity at Atlanta hospital affects region

For more than a month, Grady Memorial Hospital emergency rooms has been operating at a reduced capacity

1/23/2020



Cleveland Clinic manages its medical waste with color coding

Cleveland Clinic’s Office for a Healthy Environment focuses on sustainability across the organization, including the responsible management of medical waste

1/23/2020



N.Y. nursing home cited after maggots found in patient wound

Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation was not fined

1/22/2020



Atlanta hospital expects repair of flooding damage to take until fall

A water pipe break in early December flooded three floors at Grady Memorial Hospital

1/22/2020



Calif. hospital sets up overflow tent for flu patients

California seeing more flu cases than normal

1/22/2020



Effective paints and coatings applications

The right paint selection and surface prep is key

1/22/2020



Vermont healthcare facility reopening operating rooms after mysterious odor

Staff have installed carbon monoxide detectors and air sampling canisters in the buildings, and employees will wear detectors

1/21/2020



Ohio bill would allow cameras inside nursing home rooms

There is currently no law in Ohio against using private cameras inside a nursing home, but it's up to the nursing home to allow it

1/21/2020



Vail Health addresses surgical smoke concerns

Colorado Legislature passed a law stating that by May 1, 2021, healthcare facilities in the state must implement policies to prevent human exposure to surgical smoke

1/21/2020



Creating a secure building automation system

It is common for organizations to create a BAS and then more or less forget about it

1/21/2020



Dealing with the problem of dirty sinks

How clean can your washed hands really be if the sink is contaminated?

1/21/2020



Adopting EVS cleaning practices in skilled nursing facilities

The presence of more higher-acuity patients has led to greater danger from infections

1/20/2020



Probe: Hospital used OR without HEPA filter when infant got sick

Other operating rooms at the hospital had HEPA filters

1/20/2020



The prescription for a healthy JCAHO audit

A robust, prescriptive EAM system is needed to avoid surprises and support a facility’s ongoing success

1/20/2020



Planning and budgeting key to sustainable HVAC

Step one in achieving sustainable HVAC design is organizational buy-in

1/20/2020



Best practices for cleaning, disinfection

Cleaning, disinfecting critical to prevention of hospital-acquired infections

1/20/2020



Seattle Children’s Hospital's mold issues spur class-action suit

Suit alleged hospital engaged in a coverup of problems

1/17/2020



CDC: Flu case total nears 10 million

The flu has already killed 4,800 this season

1/17/2020



Woman robbed, kidnapped from Louisiana hospital parking lot

Christus Shreveport-Bossier Health System said it will evaluate the safety of all of its campuses

1/17/2020



Presence of pan-resistant C. auris growing in New York

A total of 427 of 911 nationwide confirmed cases are found in New York

1/17/2020



Threats that could threaten disrupt security

Facilities managers must have resilience and security strategies to deal with disruptive new technologies

1/17/2020



Steps for effective emergency preparedness

Make sure your risk assessment and scenario planning are up to date and accurate

1/17/2020



Science teacher's experiment illustrates need for hand hygiene

Soap and water had positive results

1/16/2020



HVAC issues stall surgeries at Mo. hospital

Pinnacle Regional Hospital’s sterilization room didn’t have the right pressure, temperature and humidity

1/16/2020



Report says VHA spent $4 billion on new facilities with little oversight

The VHA supplies new medical facilities with startup funds for new staff, furniture, equipment, etc.

1/16/2020



A guide to winter roofing care

Roofs that are not properly cared for during the winter will bring unpleasant surprises when the weather warms.

1/16/2020



Door selection can impact infection control

Touchless doors can help stop the spread of germs and bacteria

1/16/2020



Pa. hospital criticized for 'systemic' failures

An investigation found unsanitary equipment, dirty linens on the floors

1/15/2020



Study: ICU patients’ hands carry pathogens

Hand hygiene important for patients as well as healthcare workers

1/15/2020



Choosing the right photo ID printer

There are many card printers on the market

1/15/2020



Tips for life-safety and emergency prep in longterm care facilities

Start by looking at all possible risks

1/15/2020



‘Recent world events’ spark increased security at federal healthcare center

The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago has closed all entrances except the main gate

1/14/2020



Detroit hospital gets bomb, shooting threats

Police say a psychiatric patient at the hospital made the calls

1/14/2020



Pa. hospital where preemies died didn’t sanitize breast milk equipment

State health department ordered Geisinger Medical Center in Danville to correct several deficiencies

1/14/2020



Missouri hospital ordered to stop performing surgery

Regulators conducted an inspection at Pinnacle Regional Hospital and cited it for sterile processing procedures

1/14/2020



The growing demand for transparency in all building spaces

To meet efficiency, optimization and carbon management goals, all the pieces of the puzzle must be considered

1/14/2020



Five hospitals' mold issues making headlines

A number of healthcare facilities have detected molds in their facilities over the past year

1/14/2020



Quake in Puerto Rico causes structural, power issues, but hospitals functional in hard-hit region

Earthquake killed at least one person and causing a power outage across the island

1/13/2020



Pediatric flu death toll highest in 17 years

CDC says 27 pediatric deaths have occurred so far this season

1/13/2020



The benefits of going paperless

The Raleigh General Hospital HR team decided they didn’t want to simply copy their current paper format. Rather, they decided to redesign how the files should be organized, not simply importing files as they were.

1/13/2020



Kaiser Permanente prepares for disasters based on experience

This year’s evacuation during a wildfire demonstrated significant improvements over previous efforts

1/13/2020



Selecting a photo ID system

Photo identification cards are an important part of healthcare facility security plan

1/13/2020



Study finds air quality can impact effectiveness of antibiotics

Bacteria that cause respiratory infections can be affected by air pollution

1/13/2020



Hospital installs hydroponic farm in cafeteria

The healthcare system is looking to install an additional farm at the hospital as well as one at its cancer center

1/10/2020



Strain B influenza appearing earlier than usual this flu season

Strain A usually occurs around late December and early January

1/10/2020



Geothermal delivers savings

Investment in geothermal technology drives its energy efficiency to the top of the list

1/10/2020



Preparing healthcare facilities for a disaster

Hospitals must maintain continuity of patient care

1/10/2020



Case of Legionnaires' Disease reported at Illinois Veterans Home

The facility is reviewing water quality data

1/9/2020



Infection control issues temporarily shut down Utah hospital's operating room

A health department report said the hospital failed to provide a sanitary environment

1/9/2020



Safety trends from the last 10 years

Campus safety and security have evolved

1/9/2020



Twin Cities Hospital offers infant footprint scans

Hospital officials say its better to take a scan of a footprint because fingerprints aren't as refined initially

1/9/2020



Cancer center embraces proactive maintenance

MD Anderson Cancer Center's facility renewal program takes maintenance from reactive to proactive

1/9/2020



Dry indoor air linked to higher infection rates

When air is dry, droplets and skin flakes carrying viruses and bacteria travel through the air

1/9/2020



U.S. flu season on pace to surpass 2017-18

The 2017-18 season was the worst in decades

1/8/2020



Data shows hundreds of Aspergillus infections at Wash. hospitals

Hospitals say they’re not the source

1/8/2020



Air quality's role in infection prevention can be overlooked

Having the right tools to communicate the importance of temperature and humidity is important

1/8/2020



Ebola protection program expiring

The program supports efforts to quickly identify and isolate infected people

1/7/2020



Study tracks MRSA and S aureus in nursing homes

The presence of S aureus was 28.6 percent and of MRSA and MSSA, 20.1 percent

1/7/2020



CDC says US Candida auris cases rose by 100 in two months

The number of infections increased by 105 from Aug. to Oct.

1/7/2020



Study says patients often bring C. Diff in with them

The study suggested hospitals should try to identify carriers of C. diff to prevent the spread on infection

1/7/2020



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

1/7/2020



Flu cases reach 4.6 million

2,100 deaths reported

1/6/2020



VA ends hospital star ratings system

The system allowed veterans to compare quality and performance at VA facilities

1/6/2020



Study links psychological safety, infection prevention efforts

Thirty-eight percent of responding hospitals had high levels of psychological safety

1/6/2020



Healthcare moving toward paperless systems

Roughly 40 percent of data breaches are paper-based

1/6/2020



Card-operated lock systems becoming more popular

Flexibility is the primary benefit of this system

1/6/2020



How to handle a major HVAC upgrade

Following plan can help ensure upgrade isn't disruptive to regular operations

1/6/2020



3.7 million flu cases reported by mid December

The CDC says there have 32,000 hospitalizations and 1,800 deaths

1/3/2020



Keeping hospitals safe by design

Designers have an opportunity for hospitals to increase safety through intentional and comprehensive design and facility planning, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

1/3/2020



Joint Commission clarifies ligature risk requirements

In a new blog post on it's website, The Joint Commission clarified its new ligature risk requirements regarding common patient room items and fixtures

1/3/2020



New Ohio bill would allow surveillance cameras in nursing home resident rooms

There has been pushback in the past about whether surveillance cameras are a violation of patient privacy

1/3/2020



Operating room material choices must address infection control needs

Materials and finishes in the OR—particularly walls and flooring—are an important part of creating a safe environment, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website

1/3/2020



Survey links psychological safety and infection prevention practices

Psychological safety refers to the shared belief that team members are safe when speaking up or making mistakes

1/2/2020



Greener healthcare facilities can impact climate change

Changes in the industry can play a major role in addressing the climate crisis

1/2/2020



Healthcare on Cloud Nine: Top 8 benefits of healthcare-cloud merger

The cloud will be central to future digital transformations in healthcare

1/2/2020



Readiness matters with new CMS emergency preparedness requirements

The intent is still to establish criteria for healthcare providers and suppliers to better prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters.

1/2/2020



 
 
 


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