Environmental Services - September 2020
Ten Percent Of N.Y. Nursing Homes Failed At Infection Control
The New York Health Department has fined 23 nursing homes a total of $328,000
9/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25219-nurse.jpg)
Pa. Health System Adjusts Food Service During Pandemic
Geisinger’s former self-serve stations are all staffed and shielded
9/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25224-cafeteria.jpg)
Study: Coronavirus Lingers on Shared Medical Equipment
Research doesn’t say whether this could lead to virus transmission
9/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24980-pressure.jpg)
Continuously Active Disinfectants Said To Control COVID Spread
Protecting exposure via surfaces in heavily trafficked facilities can be a challenge
9/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24984-clean.jpg)
Ransomware Attack Leads To Death Of Patient In Germany
Woman died after being diverted to facility 20 miles away when hackers shut down hospital where she was being admitted
9/29/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25218-ransomeware.jpg)
Selecting the Right CMMS
CMMS selection requires matching specific project and facility goals with the capabilities and functionality of the system
9/29/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25213-cmms.jpg)
Study Finds Educating Cleaning Staff Lowers C. diff Infections
Study suggests focusing on knowledge gaps, challenges and barriers
9/29/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22123-bacteria.jpg)
Hospitals Say They're Now Better Prepared For COVID-19
Healthcare leaders are stockpiling needed supplies
9/28/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25207-coronavirus.jpg)
Healthcare Tech Supporting COVID-19 Fight
Some hospitals are using remote surveillance to monitor COVID-19 patients on ventilators
9/28/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25211-care.jpg)
With COVID-19 Reopenings, There May Be Legionella in A Building's Water
Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for waterborne pathogens, such as legionella
9/28/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25205-bacteria.jpg)
Survey: Dirty Carpet Impacts Perception of Care in Long-term Care Facilities
Older Americans (65+) are more likely than their younger counterparts to be influenced by dirty carpet
9/28/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25206-whitaker.jpg)
Flu Season During Coronavirus Pandemic Raises New Questions
Flu patients can take up resources
9/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25204-sick.jpg)
Washington Hospital Fixes Water Issue After Two Weeks
The water issue affected sterilization of surgical instruments
9/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25200-surgical.jpg)
Doctor Shot During Robbery At Minnesota Hospital
Employees had asked for better protection in parking areas
9/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25201-garage.jpg)
Kaiser Permanente First Healthcare System To Reach Carbon Neutrality
One hundred percent of energy the system uses is being either used in a green way or is offset
9/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25202-neutral.jpg)
Lessons From Ebola
Healthcare professionals have learned a great deal about creating effective care environments that allow for the safe treatment of patients with EVD and other infectious diseases
9/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/15935-medical-waste.jpg)
56% Of Healthcare Facilities Did Not Meet National Cybersecurity Standards In 2019
Added technologies and an increased focus on existing ones is recommended
9/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25199-cyber.jpg)
2020 Environmental Services Departments of the Year Named
AHE awards honor top hospital EVS departments
9/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25197-clean.jpg)
Case Study: Urology Center in Little Rock
The project provided lighting for a range of medical and cleanroom applications
9/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25193-room.jpg)
What You Need to Know About Elastomeric Coatings
Durable and not easily cracked, elastomeric coatings are also effective at sealing roof leaks and preventing existing damage from worsening
9/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22689-roof.jpg)
Pa. Hospital Using ‘Mobile Boiler Rooms’ During Repairs After Fire
The fire has been linked to a chemical reaction during maintenance work
9/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25179-boiler.jpg)
Florida Assisted-Living Facilities No Longer Required To Test Staff For COVID
Federal guidelines require nursing homes to continue testing
9/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25188-nurse.jpg)
Pandemic Hastening Closure Of Some Urban Hospitals
COVID has worsened the situation for already weakened hospitals
9/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25190-hospital.jpg)
Georgia Blocks ‘Granny Cam’ Legislation
Some in the long-term care industry have opposed cameras
9/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25191-camera.jpg)
Tackling the Pandemic with Environmental Monitoring
The benefits of temperature and environmental monitoring are twofold
9/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25184-hospital.jpg)
CDC Reverses Guidelines On Testing People Exposed To Covid-19
People who have had close contact with someone infected with the coronavirus, but who have not exhibited symptoms are now recommended to be tested
9/22/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25040-corona.jpg)
Coronavirus Could Make Touchless Restrooms a Must
No longer a nice-to-have, touchless restroom fixtures may curb infections from commercial restrooms
9/22/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25181-washroom.jpg)
Senior Living Dining Program Works to Maintain Community
Nebraska facilities innovate in how they serve residents under restrictions
9/22/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25182-food.jpg)
Columbus Surge Hospital In Storage For Now
The hospital at the Greater Columbus Convention Center has been disassembled
9/22/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25183-hospital.jpg)
Smart Healthcare Facilities Can Come Unique Cybersecurity Threats
All the standard vulnerabilities apply to healthcare facilities as well
9/22/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24317-internet.jpg)
Nursing Home Workers Who Work At Multiple Facilities May Be Behind Some Of COVID Spread
Florida facilities continue to see cases despite lockdown
9/21/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25175-nurse.jpg)
Containing Healthcare Costs in the New COVID Normal
Navigating pandemic-induced financial strain to reduce expenses
9/21/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25176-quarantine.jpg)
Mayo Clinic Opens A Dedicated Gluten-Free Kitchen
Clinic now a validated gluten-free 'safe spot'
9/21/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25177-gluten.jpg)
Mass. Hospital Keeping COVID Transmissions at Nearly Zero
The Boston hospital has dedicated COVID-19 units with airborne infection isolation rooms
9/21/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25178-covid.jpg)
UVC Disinfectant Not Easy to Use
UVC radiation disinfect requires many protocols to use safely
9/21/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25170-coronavirus.jpg)
Spray-On PPE Is Being Developed
The product would be used once a day and administered by a shelf-stable inhaler or nasal spray
9/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25166-ppe.jpg)
Material Shortages Hinders Mask Manufacturing
Meltblown textile is needed to make N95 masks
9/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25167-mask.jpg)
Penn. Hospital Fire Sparks Shelter-in-Place Order For Area
Smoke from putting out a fire at UPMC Lock Haven could have been hazardous
9/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25169-alarm.jpg)
Cybersecurity Not Just A Technology Problem
Continual education and reinforcement of staff is key
9/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22872-hacker.jpg)
How Hospitals Can Achieve Net-Zero Energy
Historically high energy users, hospitals do have a pathway to net-zero energy. These tips and real-world case studies illustrate how.
9/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25163-carbon.jpg)
Laundry Practices A Key Part Of Infection Control
It’s an area that’s underappreciated in eldercare
9/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25159-linen.jpg)
Access Control Strategies Can Help Curb Coronavirus Spread
Facility managers can turn to a number of solutions, ranging from no-tech to low-tech to high-tech
9/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25160-access.jpg)
Nursing Facilities Can Be Hotbeds For Bacteria
Infection control protocols are key to preventing spread
9/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25158-care.jpg)
Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Power Strips
Brad Keyes discusses regulations related to power strips
9/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25151-power.jpg)
Water Chemistry Issues Suspend Surgeries At Washington Hospital
The water issue is affecting sterilization
9/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25153-surgical.jpg)
Pa. Hospital Patient Suffering Third-Degree Burns In Operating Room Fire
Patient files suit against the UPMC Susquehanna’s Williamsport Regional Medical Center
9/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25154-surgery.jpg)
Green Cleaning During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Facilities should pay attention about to what’s in their cleaning products
9/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25155-cleaning.jpg)
Survey: Healthcare Facilities Not Keeping Up With Hackers
96 percent of IT professionals say data attackers are outpacing healthcare facilities in effectiveness
9/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/16346-programmers.jpg)
Decontamination May Solve Mask Shortage
With cold and flu season around the corner, new PPE shortages are feared
9/15/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25141-ppe.jpg)
Legionella At D.C. VA Hospital Cuts Off Water
The water was flushed and the water heated to eradicate any possible legionella bacteria
9/15/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25065-bacteria.jpg)
Mass Hospital Still Closed By Summer Flood Waters
Video on Campus Safety website shows water flooding Norwood Hospital
9/15/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24780-emergency.jpg)
Pandemic Has Healthcare Facilities Increasing Focus On Patient Experience Efforts
Facilities are working on increasing access to care and deliver a better-than-expected service
9/15/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25013-hospital.jpg)
Most Abu Dhabi hospitals Now Digitally Connected
More than 60 percent connected one year from the launch of HIE platform
9/15/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25150-clinic.jpg)
Five Reasons Validated Water-Management Programs Are More Critical Than Ever
Many healthcare facilities may have experienced changes in their occupancy and water usage
9/15/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22751-hospital.jpg)
N95 Masks Still Being Rationed At Minnesota Hospitals
State has more than 1 million masks in storage
9/14/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25141-ppe.jpg)
HAIs May Be Rising Amid Pandemic
COVID-19 has stretched the workforce of infection experts, possibly increasing hospital-acquired infections
9/14/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22990-infection.jpg)
Dozens Of Maryland Nursing Homes Cited For Infection Control Lapses
Ten have faced significant fines based on the inspection surveys, from $70,000 to $380,000
9/14/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25137-senior.jpg)
Idaho Nursing Homes Visited By State Inspectors With COVID-19
Inspectors didn't know they were infected
9/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25135-nurse.jpg)
Whitepaper: How to Select Electrostatic Technology
Whitepaper identifies four critical elements to evaluate
9/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25131-cleanroom.jpg)
Two Initiatives to Enhance Your Infection Prevention Programs
There are steps that you can take in two key areas — instrument processing and contact tracing — that can help enhance your infection prevention program
9/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25132-surgical.jpg)
Pandemic Increases Importance of Infection Control Efforts
COVID-19 has increased the chance of infection for in-center dialysis patients
9/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25133-dialysis.jpg)
Tips For Medical Device Cybersecurity
Device cybersecurity called the biggest challenge hospitals face today
9/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/17633-medical-device.jpg)
Healthcare Employees With COVID Say They’ve Been Asked To Work
Situation is approved by the CDC
9/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25125-care.jpg)
The High Standards Faced By Hospital Facility Managers
Healthcare facility managers are held to high and sometimes impossible standards
9/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25126-hospital.jpg)
La. Hospital Cares For Babies During Hurricane
The babies were moved to the main hospital in the system which has its own generator and was built to withstand hurricane force winds
9/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25127-incubator.jpg)
How to Keep Healthcare Construction Sites – and Patients – Safe and Healthy During a Pandemic
During the pandemic, we’re focusing on strengthening these longstanding procedures
9/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25128-mask.jpg)
Nurse Reports Cooling Issues At Texas Nursing Home For COVID Patients
Nurse sues - saying she was fired after report
9/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25129-nurse.jpg)
Canadian Healthcare Facilities Seeing Resistance To In-Hospital Masking
Altercations witnessed when visitors are asked to wear mask in Alberta facility
9/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25119-ppe.jpg)
Disinfectant Overuse May Have Caused Nurses' Illnesses At Vermont Hospital
Investigators were unable to pinpoint an exact reason why 21 nurses fell ill
9/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25121-or.jpg)
Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Evacuation Route Maps
Brad Keyes discusses regulations related to evacuation route maps
9/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25114-plan.jpg)
IPs and EVS Work Best Together With Give-And-Take
The COVID pandemic is bringing them teams together to discuss maintaining supplies of cleaning and disinfecting
9/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25115-clean.jpg)
COVID-19 Could Change Enhanced Assisted Living
Some assisted living providers are reevaluating their healthcare offerings
9/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25118-senior.jpg)
Healthcare Facilities Have Complex Cybersecurity Risks
Nonprofit hospitals face greater risks from cyberattacks than any other sector
9/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22651-cybersecurity.jpg)
Return-to-School Issues Can Offer Lessons For Healthcare Facilities
Community living environments, such as universities and skilled nursing facilities, are challenging
9/8/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25108-students.jpg)
More Scrutiny Sought For Florida Coronavirus Isolation Centers
Some of the nursing homes have been cited for infection control issues
9/8/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25112-coronavirus.jpg)
Minnesota Hospital Adds Halal Options To Patient Menu
Change at St. Cloud Hospital launched to better serve Muslim patients
9/8/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25113%20halal.jpg)
Pandemic Increasing Demand For Telemedicine
Health systems are struggling and adjusting to the changes
9/8/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25107-telehealth.jpg)
Balancing Infection Control With Green-Cleaning Efforts
There are good sustainable alternatives out there if healthcare professionals are 'willing to open their eyes and take a look'
9/8/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/21449-mopping.jpg)
How Healthcare Facilities Managers Have Become Unsung Heroes for Reducing the Spread of COVID-19
Healthcare facilities managers are making sure infrastructure doesn’t fail
9/4/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24848-clean.jpg)
One In Eight UK Patients Caught COVID In Hospital
Researchers said that was a relatively low rate
9/4/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25040-corona.jpg)
Survey: COVID Hasn’t Changed Large Employers Support Of On-Site Clinics
More than half of employers surveyed said they already have an on-site clinics
9/4/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/20893-doctor-consulting.jpg)
Pa. Hospital System Dealing With Food Service Problem
Patients skipping meals and resorting to snacks
9/4/2020
![](http://healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2016/14226-hospital-meal.jpg)
Designing Healthcare Facilities with Mass Notification in Mind
These systems also offer flexible options for healthcare facilities to reach people via on-premises and mobile devices, as well as create groups and zones to target messages
9/4/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25126-hospital.jpg)
Hospital Airflow Crucial For Infection Prevention
There is a lot that can be done in indoor air management to decrease transmission of infections
9/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24772-hvac.jpg)
Healthcare Foodservice Operations Had To Pivot During the Pandemic
Many hospitals received donations from local businesses
9/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25086-food.jpg)
Two Twin Cities Hospitals Hit With OSHA Penalties Over COVID-19
United, North Memorial fined for PPE, staff-safety violations
9/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25087-ppe.jpg)
Preparing For A Hurricane In The Middle Of A Pandemic
Facilities must routinely research and update plans in order to reduce damage, remain open and recover quickly
9/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25089-coronavirus.jpg)
California Hospital Workers Say They're Not Being Protected
Ad hoc COVID-19 medical centers are often remote and security is often a lower priority
9/2/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25082-nurse.jpg)
Temporary Hospitals Have Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
Ad hoc COVID-19 medical centers are often remote and security is often a lower priority
9/2/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/24243-cyber.jpg)
Some Healthcare Workers Need Convincing To Wear Masks
Some healthcare workers still believe COVID is a farce or it doesn't really exist
9/1/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25075-mask.jpg)
Healthcare Parking Lots Can Be Hazardous To Workers
Investigation shows security measures lacking
9/1/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25079-garage.jpg)
Baltimore-Area Hospitals Easing Visitor Restrictions
Some visitors are being encouraged to stay in the hospital rather than come and go
9/1/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25080-temperature.jpg)