Environmental Services - April 2016
Children banned from hospital's roof garden due to safety fears
Use of the roof top garden in the specialist unit on Scotland's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital site had to be banned amid fears it was dangerous for patients and people walking below
4/29/2016
Violence-plagued Minnesota hospital on lockdown after man threatens self-immolation
Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center has been seeking funding to bring violence and a rash of workplace injuries under control
4/29/2016
Non-emergency patients steered away from Dubai hospital’s new ER
Patients are encouraged to use non-emergency healthcare facilities for minor conditions
4/29/2016
Patient meals declared a safety issue at N.Z. hospital
Poor quality of patient meals has become a staff safety issue in mental health wards
4/29/2016
What can behavioral healthcare facilities do to reduce workplace violence?
Established policies and procedures can foster safety, according to an article on the Behavioral Healthcare
4/29/2016
Going tobacco free can be hard for healthcare facilities
Enforcing a tobacco-free policy that prohibits people from using tobacco in healthcare facilities and on campus grounds can be complicated
4/28/2016
Technology modernizes Illinois hospital's emergency planning
Software centralizes critical building information for first responders
4/28/2016
U.K. care village cited for failure to make improvements
A Scunthorpe care village that was branded 'inadequate' by health inspectors last September has failed to make improvements
4/28/2016
FDA increases estimate of scope-related infections
Food and Drug Administration says the number is closer to 350
4/27/2016
Hospitals are adopting high-tech innovations
3-D printed building models, telemedicine drones and mega RFID systems among the advances
4/27/2016
Q&A on emergency outlet locations
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about emergency outlet locations
4/27/2016
Texas A&M releases recommendations on 'campus carry' law
System officials still want to ban firearms in certain parts of campus, including healthcare facilities
4/26/2016
GAO focuses on violence in healthcare settings
Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recommends actions to address violence directed at the healthcare workers
4/26/2016
Options for funding energy-efficiency projects
Financing alternatives can help healthcare facilities launch green initiatives
4/26/2016
New air balance manual includes chapter on testing, balancing healthcare facilities
The manual details the minimum standards for total system balance, assists design professionals in achieving design intent and ensures that proper methods and procedures are followed
4/25/2016
Factors to consider when choosing a venue for healthcare training
Infographic describes seven factors to consider when choosing a venue for healthcare training
4/25/2016
Fall prevention standards called potential game changer
The healthcare industry has the highest percentage of accident claim costs associated with falls
4/25/2016
Coordinated response urged for emerging superbug
Simulation shows coordinated efforts prevented more than 75 percent of the infections
4/22/2016
Maintaining data security while moving
Healthcare data security must remain a top priority, even when changing locations
4/21/2016
Report focuses on improving cleaning and disinfection of surfaces
Traditional manual cleaning and disinfection practices in hospitals are often lacking
4/21/2016
Guide focuses on how hospital's physical environment can impact patient experience
American Society for Healthcare Engineering develops report to educate hospital leaders on ways to improve HCAHPS scores
4/21/2016
Detroit hospital cancels surgeries because of discolored water
Patients, staff use bottled water, hand sanitizer at Henry Ford Hospital
4/20/2016
Q&A: Keeping surfaces clean in hospitals
Dr John Boyce, co-author of a review looking at the best ways to keep surfaces clean in hospitals, answers questions about the work on the OnBiology blog
4/20/2016
Monetizing outpatient facility holdings
Hospitals and healthcare systems are reconsidering the value of their real estate
4/20/2016
Washington hospital reports infection control breach
Sterilization misstep at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview potentially exposed 260 patients
4/19/2016
Va. VA medical center told to improve cleanliness, training
Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond should improve in various areas, according to VA inspector
4/19/2016
Healthcare system's ransomware attack allowed by known security flaw
Last month’s attack on MedStar Health’s computer systems came through a well-known security vulnerability in an application server
4/19/2016
Ebola virus discovered after high-isolation unit is cleaned
Findings stress the importance of thorough terminal disinfection
4/18/2016
Joint Commission updates emergency management info after Brussels attack
Portal now includes a new resource under the Violence/Security/Active Shooter section
4/18/2016
Campaign targets hazardous smoke from ORs
Surgical smoke produced in operating rooms as a byproduct of medical devices is hazardous to clinicians
4/18/2016
Hospital's new food service hitting snags
Brantford General Hospital started a new method of heating and serving meals to patients
4/18/2016
Q&A on lower bottom rods
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about lower bottom rods
4/18/2016
Safety upgrades urged for psychiatric hospital
Minnesota governor urges legislators to pay for upgrades and staffing increases after staff injuries
4/15/2016
Cleaning GI scopes with steam sterilization
A shift in endoscope reprocessing from high-level disinfection to steam sterilization is urged
4/14/2016
Benefits of partnering with suppliers
Benefits are lost when healthcare facility leaders and vendors don't develop the customer relationship into a partnership
4/14/2016
U.K. healthcare facility to generate its own power with windmill
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, will generate renewable electricity on-site
4/13/2016
A strategy for proper exchange carts usage
It is unsafe to return unused linens on exchange carts from the hospital to the laundry plant
4/13/2016
Healthcare facilities laundry breach infection control tests
More than a quarter of laundry in NHS Lanarkshire breaches infection control tests
4/13/2016
"Cleaning' hospital food
Stanford Health Care menu features items you'd expect from a high-end restaurant
4/12/2016
Hospital uses real-time location system to improve security, safety and operations
The system uses the hospital’s Wi-Fi network to provide real-time updates on the status and location of patients, caregivers and equipment throughout the hospital
4/12/2016
Hospitals urged to avoid antimicrobial furnishings
Health Care Without Harm suggests seeking more evidence on the safety and efficacy of furnishings containing antimicrobials
4/12/2016
Q&A on locks on cable on sprinkler pipe
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about cable on sprinkler pipe
4/12/2016
Texas health system switches to private security force
Good Shepherd said its private security staff has made 'significant progress'
4/11/2016
Evaluating the value proposition of project vendors
A vendor management system can provide clear scope definition, contractual rights, a cost structure, a payment mechanism and a dispute resolution process
4/11/2016
Trends in technology for patient care
A new white paper explores why and how technology can play a crucial role in influencing the patient experience
4/11/2016
Technology can boost healthcare facility operations
Facilities are using technology to cut down on paper and increase efficiency
4/11/2016
Improving healthcare facility security
Healthcare providers must adhere to regulations for security systems to protect patient privacy
4/11/2016
Waiver and equivalency confusion
There are often questions about the process to submit waiver and equivalency requests
4/8/2016
Temple University Hospital employees douse a fire in a patient's room
Patient in a double room set his mattress on fire and walked out of the room
4/8/2016
OR/procedure room cleaning checklists available
Researchers found only 25 percent of OR surfaces targeted in a study had been cleaned thoroughly
4/8/2016
Maintaining a healthcare facility emergency power system
Deficiencies in emergency standby power systems among the top 10 Joint Commission issues
4/7/2016
Oregon healthcare facility operates waste-recycling facility
Program separates waste from six hospitals and employs developmentally disabled staff
4/7/2016
Q&A on locks on ABC dry powder fire extinguishers
In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about ABC dry powder fire extinguishers
4/6/2016
Study says hospital air helps spread bacteria
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses a serious challenge to infection control
4/6/2016
U.K. hospital plans investigation after patient climbs onto roof
Patient from mental health unit climbed onto the roof before being coaxed down three hours later
4/6/2016
Internet of Things growing in healthcare facilities
As data become easier to share, the impact will increase
4/5/2016
All areas of healthcare facilities need air purification
Waiting rooms and restrooms don’t always receive the same level of attention as patient and operating rooms
4/5/2016
Waiting room signage keeps families informed
Electronic medical records system can help to keep those in the waiting room informed and occupied
4/5/2016
Healthcare facility works to use water wisely
Sustainable water management helps the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity to save water and maintain lavish gardens
4/4/2016
Healthcare facilities can generate energy savings with GPOs
Group purchasing organizations help health systems lock in prices
4/4/2016
Common misconceptions about QAC
The quaternary ammonium chloride compound market has substantially evolved since its inception more than 100 years ago
4/4/2016
Facilities professionals have role in patient safety initiatives
National Patient Safety Foundation leader discusses the role of facilities professionals with Health Facilities Management
4/1/2016
Hospital cafeteria upgrades focus on health, improved experience
Hospital kitchens hiring away restaurant chefs
4/1/2016
Integrating capital planning and facility management
For these groups to attain alignment of purpose and resources, each group needs visibility into the data
4/1/2016
Modesto hospital disinfects rooms with robotic housekeeper
‘Germinator’ eliminates superbugs on surfaces
4/1/2016