Maintenance and Operations - March 2020
CDC says expired equipment from stockpile OK
The Strategic National Stockpile is a supply of lifesaving drugs and medical supplies
3/31/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23979-medical.jpg)
Javits Center, other facilities temporary hospital sites in NYC
Center will have a total of 2,000 temporary hospital beds
3/31/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23981-building.jpg)
Navy hospital ship sails to Los Angeles to help with hospital crunch
The former oil supertanker won’t take coronavirus patients
3/31/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23982-ship.jpg)
Coronavirus’s impact on healthcare IT: Supporting real-time needs of hospitals in crisis
Part 1: Navigating device management and redistribution
3/31/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23980-doctor.jpg)
Unlocking the smart hospital: Top tips for a successful digital transformation
Hospital leaders can streamline workflow for staff while delivering an elevated patient experience
3/31/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23976-hospital.jpg)
Health systems urged to be ready for 15 or 20 percent of staff to have own coronavirus issues
Colorado plans to bring in contract nurses from out of state as well as medical students and professionals
3/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23970-coronavirus.jpg)
Illinois lawmakers working to curb Legionnaires’ Disease
New bill focuses on water quality, distribution
3/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23967-bacteria.jpg)
A rural hospital's ‘improvises’ during coronavirus outbreak
Coronavirus pandemic presents significant challenges for rural hospitals
3/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23969-ppe.jpg)
New Pa. healthcare facility to include energy-saving power plant
Allegheny Health Network Wexford Hospital will have a natural gas-fired, two-story power plant
3/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23966-corridor.jpg)
Three coronavirus questions hospital asks before allowing entry into buildings
The questions were suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3/30/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23968-coronavirus.jpg)
Michigan healthcare facilities vary in coronavirus screening protocols
Hospitals are implementing state coronavirus restrictions
3/27/2020
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Hospital ready with mobile hazmat tent if needed for coronavirus
Tent could be used to safely move a coronavirus patient into the hospital without putting anyone else at risk
3/27/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23957-coronavirus.jpg)
Healthcare facilities managers have a new charter: Creating an exceptional employee experience
Trends driving the evolving role of facilities managers as strategic experience design leaders
3/27/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23955-hospital.jpg)
Biometrics, smartphones poised to replace key cards
Key cards can be expensive and technologically obsolete
3/27/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23954-doctor.jpg)
Washington hospital workers make masks from office supplies
Workers are dealing with a severe shortage of equipment
3/26/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23946-masks.jpg)
Some hospitals need emergency stocks for coronavirus
Hospitals in that situation can contact their local county health department or EMS agency
3/26/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23944-mask.jpg)
Protecting healthcare workers with location technology
Badges can be a life-saving tool for employees under duress
3/26/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23948-hospital.jpg)
Monitoring HVAC levels in sterile processing areas
HVAC must be addressed in compliance with current standards
3/26/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/19614-sterilize.jpg)
Keeping hospital ice machines safe from coronavirus
Following proper ice handling procedures is one more way to stop the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19
3/25/2020
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Healthcare security: Why developing a drone use policy is essential
A policy governing who can use, who can approve, when and where they can be used should be developed
3/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23936-drone.jpg)
As coronavirus spreads, hospitals deal with shortages
There are approximately 95,000 intensive care beds in the country
3/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23935-patient.jpg)
Smart bed helps prevent falls and improve safety
The new beds have safety features, such as a motion-activated night light and can connect with the hospital’s call system
3/25/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23938-hospital-bed.jpg)
‘Airborne precautions’ eyed for healthcare staffs after study shows coronavirus can survive in air
Scientists are looking at how humidity, temperature and ultraviolet lighting affects the disease
3/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23934-covid19.jpg)
Maryland hospitals setting up ‘triage tents’ to assess coronavirus patients
Some hospitals might also use the tents to triage those experiencing noncoronavirus-related symptoms
3/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23925-coronavirus.jpg)
People are stealing masks and other sterile supplies from hospitals
US officials have estimated the country only has about 1% of the masks needed for healthcare professionals
3/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23922-face-mask.jpg)
EHR browser extension: Essential tool for optimizing value-based care initiatives
The goal is to aggregate data from every possible source to illustrate the patient’s health status
3/24/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23921-lab-research.jpg)
Utah hospital sets up negative pressure tents for coronavirus
The tents are completely self-sustaining
3/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23912-coronavirus.jpg)
What hospitals need to do to prepare and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak
The spike in U.S. cases and daily reports of medical personnel exposure, is that hospital preparedness is critical to avoid a disaster
3/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23913-coronavirus.jpg)
U.S. hospitals may face severe PPE shortage
Survey suggests there may be a three-fold increase in demand for N95 masks
3/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23914-doctor-with-face-mask.jpg)
V.A. preps to support healthcare system during coronavirus
Agency is legally designated as nation’s backup health system
3/23/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23915-department-of-veterans-affairs.jpg)
Study: Hospitals will run out of beds if coronavirus cases spike
No state will have enough room for novel coronavirus patients if the surge in severe cases here mirrors that in other countries
3/20/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23902-hospital.jpg)
U.S. healthcare facilities offer different pictures of coronavirus preparedness
Some believe their health systems are equipped, others aren't sure
3/20/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23903-coronavirus.jpg)
What hospitals are telling workers about coronavirus
Healthcare providers urged to take 'conservative approach'
3/20/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23905-coronavirus.jpg)
Essential HVAC craftsmanship in healthcare
The North Tower Project at INOVA Loudoun Hospital
3/20/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23904-nurse.jpg)
The challenge of mold in modern hospitals and healthcare facilities
Not only does mold cause structural damage to the facility costing them money and potential lost revenue, mold has been directly attributed to healthcare associated infections
3/20/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23901-aspergillus.jpg)
Many highly rated nursing homes have infection-control lapses
Sixty-one percent of nursing homes were cited for one or more infection-control deficiencies in the past few years
3/19/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23885-nurse.jpg)
Florida man sets hospital bed on fire to get nurse’s attention
The man tried to flee the hospital after setting the fire
3/19/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23878-lighter.jpg)
Ohio children's behavioral health facility designed for safety without intimidation
Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus built its own beds and asked suppliers for custom modifications
3/19/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23879-psychiatrist.jpg)
Best practices to keep networks secure
Securing healthcare facilities against cyberattacks has become increasingly complicated
3/19/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23886-cybersecurity.jpg)
Boston hospital braces for pandemic with warehouse of emergency supplies
Massachusetts General Hospital's facility contains stockpiles of critical items
3/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23877-medical.jpg)
Nurses beg for protective gear and better planning amid coronavirus
Nurses in Washington State and California said they have had to beg for N95 masks
3/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23876-mask.jpg)
Take the chill off! Ensuring comfortable conditions in workspaces
Electric heat can be a comfort solution no matter the temperature
3/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23867-hospital.jpg)
The future of violence response and emergency preparedness in healthcare
Several healthcare organizations have published information to assist security directors
3/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/16442-healthcare-security.jpg)
The future of violence response and emergency preparedness in healthcare
Several healthcare organizations have published information to assist security directors
3/18/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2017/16442-healthcare-security.jpg)
Coronavirus preparedness planning for senior living communities
Prepare by keeping up with current events and be ready to implement additional recommendations as they become available
3/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23865-nurse.jpg)
Nursing homes urged to be extra vigilant on coronavirus
The novel coronavirus that originated is highly transmissible in ways scientists yet don’t fully understand
3/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23866-nurse.jpg)
Some Amazon sellers accused of price gouging hand sanitizers
Amazon has about 5 million sellers on its site, and 50 percent of its sales are by third-party sellers
3/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23864-sanitize.jpg)
Occupational groups that are at high risk for coronavirus
Healthcare workers have a high risk of contracting coronavirus
3/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23863-coronavirus.jpg)
Study finds bacteria in ancient Irish soil stops growth of superbugs
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
3/17/2020
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Maximizing healthcare facility HVAC system output
HVAC optimization involves automatically controlling HVAC systems to deliver work at energy-efficient levels
3/17/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/17978-hvac.jpg)
CMS: Main survey focus will be on infection control preparedness
The shift lets inspectors to focus on the spread of the coronavirus disease
3/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23855-health.jpg)
Balancing security and comfort
Healthcare facilities must ensure safety while maintaining a focus on healing
3/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23806-security.jpg)
Blog: Why hospitals and nursing homes are likely coronavirus epicenters
Officials should focus on getting nursing homes ready
3/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23854-nurse.jpg)
Florida man can’t bring life-size Trump cutout to dialysis center because of safety, infection control
The man spends about three and a half hours a day, three days a week undergoing dialysis
3/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23738-dialysis.jpg)
Hybrid UV lighting systems evaluated
Eight-hour exposures on counter surfaces were effective for suppressing pathogens
3/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23856-light.jpg)
Inspection, testing and maintenance of door hardware key to security plan
By paying closer attention to the maintenance and performance of doors, hinges, closers, and fire-exit hardware, managers can help improve the safety and security of their facilities
3/16/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/23104-door.jpg)
100+ disinfectants that may kill coronavirus on surfaces
Tests have yet to be completed that confirmed the disinfectants are able to kill this virus
3/13/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23847-clean.jpg)
Telemedicine plays key role in battle against spread of coronavirus
Part of the demand for ID telehealth is the dearth of specialists in areas other than heavily populated urban centers.
3/13/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23846-telemedicine.jpg)
U.S. hospital with coronavirus patients share lessons
Patients are being treated in isolation rooms
3/13/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23836-isolated.jpg)
Infection control violations may suggest many hospitals not ready for coronavirus
An outbreak would demand peak performance
3/13/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23848-quarantined.jpg)
Green building in 2020 - what you need to know
Four main areas — sustainability, resilience, health and wellness, and value for investors — will be trending in 2020
3/13/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23798-eco.jpg)
Updating a healthcare facility ventilation system
For hospital administrators, proper infection control is an important task
3/13/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23447-hospital.jpg)
Coronavirus evacuees monitored at Texas Center for Infectious Disease
Facility’s primary function is to treat tuberculosis patients
3/12/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23876-mask.jpg)
Seattle nursing home coronavirus outbreak spotlights elder care risk
Age and close living conditions can increase danger
3/12/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23835-coronavirus.jpg)
N.Y. hospital reduce C. diff rates with process changes
Changes include enhanced monitoring for room turnovers
3/12/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23834-clean.jpg)
CDC estimates flu deaths at 20,000 this season
This season the flu has caused 34 million illnesses
3/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23587-flu.jpg)
Design and maintenance key to avoiding mold in healthcare facilities
Candida auris is now one of the world’s most feared microbes in healthcare settings
3/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23782-surgery.jpg)
La. woman’s hospital increasing security due to increased violence
The hospital also conducting employee training and implementing a lockdown system for patient care areas
3/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23763-hospital.jpg)
Calif. children’s hospital increases security after shooting threat
A staffer’s allegedly threatened to carry out a shooting rampage
3/11/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23765-pharmacy.jpg)
Healthcare workers question safety measures while prepping for coronavirus
Some say the medical community wasn't fully prepared for previous viruses, like SARS and Ebola — and they're concerned that lessons learned are not being applied
3/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23810-protective.jpg)
Judge orders release of Seattle Children's mold records
The judge scolded Public Health of Seattle & King County for staying silent for so long in a case that has been in court for several months
3/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23833-aspergillus.jpg)
Prevention beyond PPE – The Importance of environmental hygiene to prevent spread of illnesses
There are several products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogen claims that are available for surface disinfection against SARS-CoV-2
3/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23844-ppe.jpg)
How are hospitals screening for the coronavirus?
Healthcare facilities are stepping up screening efforts
3/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23809-corona.jpg)
Seattle Homeland Security facility shuts down over coronavirus fears
An employee there may be infected with coronavirus
3/10/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23845-coronavirus.jpg)
Anxiety grows as N.Y prepares for epidemic
No confirmed cases have appeared in N.Y., but officials have begun to prepare for the possibility
3/10/2020
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Quarantines were almost obsolete, but facilities are now needed
Governments are trying to find somewhere to put coronavirus patients
3/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23795-quarantine.jpg)
U.S. healthcare facilities short on face masks
Many of the protective face masks used in the U.S. are manufactured in China
3/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23799-masks.jpg)
Digital certificates play key role in healthcare industry
Initiatives aimed at standardizing use of trusted identities
3/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23797-quality.jpg)
Shooting victim found with gun in Minneapolis hospital
Nurse says there's nothing to stop guns from getting in
3/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23681-gun.jpg)
Technology that detects falls helps shown to reduce ED services
Reviewing videos helps caregivers determine causes of falls
3/9/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22005-walker.jpg)
Humidifier linked to deadly mold issue at Seattle Children's
The humidifier had was not used for a decade
3/6/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23794-aspergillus.jpg)
Integrated, bundled approach can fight HAIs
Infection control specialists must know how to design and implement an effective infection prevention program
3/6/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23793-hospital.jpg)
Indoor cellular coverage got you down? There’s a treatment for that.
Many healthcare facilities have unique construction that needs to be considered when evaluating indoor cellular coverage solutions
3/6/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23682-phone.jpg)
HVAC experts suggest natural ventilation be allowed in most spaces outside of operating rooms
Natural ventilation is defined as the transport of fresh air through non-mechanical means, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
3/6/2020
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County declares emergency after a ninth death was reported in Washington state
King County is purchasing a motel to house coronavirus patients. Washington's death toll is now 10.
3/5/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23785-corona.jpg)
Federal government says it won’t put coronavirus patients in Costa Mesa
The patients have been quarantined at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California
3/5/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23816-quarantine.jpg)
Water leak stops inpatient services at Wyoming hospital
A leaking hydronic heating system has caused severe water damage on multiple floors throughout the hospital
3/5/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23784--leak.jpg)
Amazon's virtual medical clinic is 'open' for Seattle employees
The app provides virtual medical consultations, as well as a way to schedule a follow-up visit from a health professional
3/5/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23775-paperwork.jpg)
Survey suggests security cameras do make campuses safer
The majority of hospital, K-12 and higher ed campuses have security cameras
3/5/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/media/graphics/2018/17967-security-cameras.jpg)
Increased healthcare facility sanitation practices may not stop C. difficile spread
Research stresses C. Diff is not just a hospital problem
3/4/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23766-bacteria.jpg)
Hospitals urged to do these four things to prepare for a pandemic
Healthcare facilities should review pandemic and surge plans
3/4/2020
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Misconfiguration main cause of healthcare breaches
Misconfiguration due to human error in cloud infrastructures increased by 424 percent
3/4/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23772-cloud.jpg)
Second U.S. coronavirus-related death reported in Washington state
The total number of individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus in the area has risen to 10
3/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23649-corona.jpg)
CDC confirms first U.S. coronavirus case of unknown origin
The infected individual had no known exposure to the virus through travel or close contact with a known infected person
3/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23572-corona.jpg)
Surveyors expected to stress longterm care facilities' infection control compliance amid coronavirus outbreak
Providers were encouraged to review information on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
3/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23694-corona.jpg)
Coronavirus outbreak should spark focus on infection control
It’s a good time to review transmission-based precautions
3/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23723-corona.jpg)
U.S. passengers cruise ship who tested positive for the coronavirus going to Alabama facility
Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston is a FEMA training facility
3/3/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23764-cruise.jpg)
Bed bugs found in Toledo adult care facilities
State reports show the bugs infested every bedroom of one facility
3/2/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23750-bug.jpg)
Patient 'edutainment' systems evolving to better serve patients and staff
Having tools to manage their experience can be empowering for patients
3/2/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23661-patient.jpg)
Malware disables Boston Children’s Hospital facilities systems
The main hospital system was not impacted
3/2/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/23693-pediatrician.jpg)
Workplace violence training program focuses on healthcare settings
Program focuses on de-escalation and addressing four stages of crises
3/2/2020
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2019/22950-emergency.jpg)