Sustainable Operations - July 2019
Bats in Iowa hospital buildings lead to patient safety alert
The hospital receives about 10 reports of bats in its facilities a year, typically in non-patient care areas
7/31/2019
N.C. hospital security now scanning visitor photo IDs
The technology will create a personalized badge with a visitor's photo and patient room number
7/31/2019
A text message to save more than 13 million lives
Patient engagement through text messages has emerged as one of the biggest avenues for optimizing care quality
7/31/2019
W. Va. hospital opened cooling station to beat the heat
The cooling center was free for the community
7/31/2019
Candida auris may have been spurred by global warming
The fungus sprung up simultaneously on three continents
7/30/2019
Double cable failure causes Mass. hospital power outage
Mount Auburn Hospital had system in place to prevent outage
7/30/2019
Solar panels proposed near Calif. hospital
Four acres of ground-based panels would be located on the west and north sides of the hospital
7/30/2019
Door selection can impact infection control
Touchless doors can help stop the spread of germs and bacteria
7/30/2019
Healthcare food-service veteran discusses amenity-centered care and retail food service
Food-service trends are being shaped by amenity-centered care like those offered in hotels
7/30/2019
How do Southern Calif. hospitals rate for earthquake safety?
Currently one third of hospitals in the area are rated as at risk of collapse
7/29/2019
Man pulls gun on Winnipeg hospital security guards
The man was part of a violent disturbance in the Children’s Hospital at the Health Sciences Centre
7/29/2019
Report finds VA concealed Legionella at facility
Inspectors also found the facility’s staff routinely failed to conduct routine cleaning
7/29/2019
Technology that detects falls helps shown to reduce ED services
Reviewing videos helps caregivers determine causes of falls
7/29/2019
AI-driven software automation brings sweeping change to healthcare industry
The future holds even more dynamic changes for automating tedious processes, streamlining redundant tasks and speeding well-informed decision-making
7/29/2019
While healthcare facility shootings are still rare, assaults are not
Shootings like the recent one in a Baltimore drug treatment center draw attention to violent incidents
7/26/2019
Second Va. senior facility reports respiratory illness outbreak
The county health department says there doesn’t appear to be a link between the outbreaks
7/26/2019
Hospital overcrowding leaves patients boarding in ERs
National provider shortage, rise of antibiotic-resistant infections making things worse
7/26/2019
IoT – The prescription to keeping workers and patients safe on hospital construction jobsites
When workers are equipped with IoT-based wearable sensors, managers can see in real time the workers present for every trade
7/26/2019
Appliance seller has lessons for hospitals about patient experience
Hospitals are trying a number of initiatives to improve their patients’ satisfaction
7/25/2019
Manhattan hospital relies on emergency system during blackout
Mount Sinai West was among the hospitals that went to backup generator
7/25/2019
Integration of Internet of Things and RAIN RFID in hospital asset management systems boosts efficiency
The implementation of RAIN RFID in hospital asset systems helps to keep track of tagged items, store information
7/25/2019
Cybersecurity is a top safety issue for healthcare facilities
Cybersecurity was listed behind severe weather and active shooter incidents
7/25/2019
WHO declares Ebola a global emergency
The declaration is meant to encourage international aid
7/24/2019
Ebola case confirmed in Congo city on Rwanda border
Case could signal a major escalation for the outbreak
7/23/2019
Dangerous bacteria can survive disinfectant
Study suggests that UV light is an option for disinfecting, but it can be challenging to make sure all surfaces are fully exposed to the light
7/23/2019
Irish hospitals struggling with infection control
Problems include a lack of isolation facilities, high occupancy rates and aging hospitals
7/23/2019
BAS's role in facilities management
The BAS can assist FMs in promoting a safe, productive and efficient work environment
7/23/2019
Dealing with contamination in recycling programs
Widespread contamination of the recycling stream has resulted in what many are calling a crisis in the U.S. recycling industry
7/23/2019
The blueprint for IoT infrastructure in healthcare
Developments in technology that contribute to the Internet of Things are introducing some extremely interesting innovations for healthcare providers
7/23/2019
Respiratory outbreak investigated at Va. senior facility
54 residents fall ill at Springfield facility
7/22/2019
Patient beds line Australian hospitals halls with increased demand
Some patients forced to spend more than 24 hours waiting for a room
7/22/2019
Maintaining healthcare facility security during chaos
Facilities rely on cameras and professional security
7/22/2019
IoT security is critical to healthcare
Traditional cybersecurity sometimes lapses when it comes to the IoT
7/22/2019
New alarms that whistle and sing are designed to lessen hospital noise
Efforts are underway to make alarms quieter and design systems of visual cues — like interactive screens that look like paintings
7/19/2019
Lighting can support healthier patient rooms
Advanced lighting design can improve patient and visitor outcomes and comfort and staff productivity
7/19/2019
Tips for hiring healthcare cybersecurity pros
Cybersecurity requires people from all backgrounds and majors
7/19/2019
Triclosan exposure linked to osteoporosis
The endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been widely used as an antibacterial in consumer goods and personal care products
7/18/2019
IAHSS Foundation recognizes achievements in healthcare security
Several hospital security programs were recognized at the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety
7/18/2019
Time to get serious about a facility's carbon footprint
Buildings are responsible for 40 percent of carbon emissions
7/18/2019
CDC seeks to update guidelines for infection control in occupational health
The CDC is updating two sections addressing protocol for infrastructure and routine practices
7/18/2019
Key aspects to updating your security infrastructure
Start by discussing plans for growth and development
7/18/2019
Data shows $117,000 in thefts from Minn. assisted living facility residents
Research showed the average amount lost was $1,130
7/17/2019
Bacteria associated with HAIs found in raw meat
These bacteria have become a major threat in hospitals
7/17/2019
Creating staff engagement in healthcare facilities
Disengagement can hurt interdepartmental relationships
7/17/2019
Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Air changes in the morgue
Brad Keyes discusses regulations for air changes in the morgue
7/17/2019
The ABC of Blue Button: APIs and the future of healthcare patient data
Application Programming Interface (API) is redefining accessibility of data in the healthcare ecosystem
7/17/2019
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
7/17/2019
Funding to stop Candida auris lacking
A high proportion of people who have been diagnosed with C. auris have died
7/16/2019
Using biometrics on the healthcare campus
Fingerprint authentication can make physical access control systems more secure
7/16/2019
Healthcare cybersecurity market size to exceed $27 billion by 2025
Increasing incidences of healthcare data leaks is forecasted to boost healthcare cybersecurity industry growth during the analysis period
7/16/2019
Cybersecurity still possible on a tight budget
A good information security plan can be affordable
7/16/2019
Seattle Children's is facing violations after mold investigation
Cited deficiencies include the failure to properly maintain air filtering systems that fed to operating rooms
7/15/2019
Oregon program addresses healthcare workplace violence
Healthcare association creates customizable toolkit
7/15/2019
California hospital evacuated after earthquake
Ridgecrest healthcare facility sustained structural damage
7/15/2019
Environmental monitoring can reduce healthcare-associated infections
Patients in healthcare facilities are often particularly vulnerable to infections due to weakened immune systems and the presence of invasive medical devices such as needles and catheters
7/15/2019
Artificial intelligence is reshaping facilities management
AI is already reshaping both how buildings are designed and operated
7/15/2019
Mich. nursing facilities seeing more VRE, less MRSA
Since 2003, rates of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus almost tripled
7/12/2019
Canadian hospitals adding secure safe rooms
Patients in crisis could wait up to 72 hours for transfer to other facilities
7/12/2019
Vermont hospital, community college partner on EVS training
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital works with local college on train-to-hire program
7/12/2019
Medically tailored meals may be saving lives
Organization serves people with a broad cross section of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and kidney disease
7/12/2019
Smart hospitals market experiencing high demand for hospital-based software
The market is likely to gain from increasing incidence of chronic diseases and further rising demand for hospitals
7/12/2019
Rise in dementia leads to new food service options
Program addresses residents' potential malnutrition issues
7/12/2019
Seattle Children's hospital reopened 14 operating rooms closed after mold found
1 killed, 5 infected by mold at the hospital in last two years
7/11/2019
Hospitals in Vermont and New Hampshire struggle for clean linens after plant closing
Some hospitals are now getting linens from as far away as New York and Canada
7/11/2019
mHealth market will register 38.0% CAGR Growth to cross $289.4 billion by 2025
Growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiac diseases will drive mHealth market growth in the coming years
7/11/2019
What healthcare must understand about cybersecurity
Healthcare organizations continue to be the subject of attacks by hackers seeking access to patient data for resale on the black market
7/11/2019
UPMC Children's MRSA cases mostly in the NICU
The hospital tested all NICU patients, and six tested positive
7/10/2019
Increasing sustainability of healthcare facility distributed energy systems
As healthcare companies seek to improve their sustainability and to protect their power systems against risk, they are beginning to incorporate renewable energy into their distributed energy power systems
7/10/2019
How to maintain security devices
Diligence is key to protecting equipment from damage and loss
7/10/2019
Seattle Children’s closes all main operating rooms because of mold
Aspergillus mold was found in several operating and equipment storage rooms
7/9/2019
Norovirus may be transmitted through the air
Outbreaks of norovirus are especially difficult to control in hospital settings
7/9/2019
Designing a safer exam room
Balancing patient experience with efficiency is one way to keep safety at the forefront, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website
7/9/2019
Automated doors can provide both access and security to healthcare facilities
Different types of entrances present their own challenges
7/9/2019
Confusion during lockdown of N.C. hospital blamed on ‘unclear policies and protocols’
Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro plans revisions to policies
7/8/2019
Why are there so many security breaches in healthcare?
Cybercriminals steal billions of dollars every year
7/8/2019
UV light fights germs on mobile devices
Ultraviolet rays kill nearly 100% of bacteria found on mobile devices in healthcare settings
7/8/2019
Illinois investigating 4 cases of Legionnaires’ at Christ Medical Center
Legionnaires’ found in three patients and a staff member at healthcare facility in Oak Lawn
7/8/2019
Woman who gave birth in Japan photographs hospital meals
Meals look more than restaurant-worthy
7/8/2019
Study finds C. Auris spreads through skin shedding
The findings highlight need for hygiene and disinfection
7/5/2019
12 die from rare bacterial infection in Essex
The outbreak of invasive Group A streptococcus has been linked to care for chronic wounds
7/5/2019
Oregon State Hospital staff injuries rose in 2018
Facility is strained to admit new patients
7/5/2019
Tips for medical device cybersecurity
Device cybersecurity called the biggest challenge hospitals face today
7/5/2019
Concealed carry: Laws and permit numbers by state
Campus Safety website offers a breakdown of common terminology, laws, requirements and permits issued by state
7/3/2019
Making the right door choices for security
Doors, locks, and other door hardware must be chosen carefully
7/3/2019
Women exposed to antibacterial chemical more likely to break a bone
A person can be exposed to triclosan via consumer products and contaminated water
7/3/2019
Ebola transmission model predicted recent Uganda cases
The researchers say the model should be used as a risk assessment tool to prepare and distribute resources
7/2/2019
Verbal hand-hygiene reminders In hospitals may curb infections
Voice-based electronic monitoring systems showed a 61.4 percent decrease in HAIs
7/2/2019
Environmental service department leaders urged to embrace change
Change and innovation are at the forefront in healthcare
7/2/2019
HHS releases healthcare cybersecurity best practices
Guidance includes 10 best practices for mitigating hacking threats
7/2/2019
Dry hydrogen peroxide: A novel delivery of an effective microbial reduction agent for environmental cleaning
Dry hydrogen peroxide, a non-aqueous gas, has been used for environmental disinfection in fields such as agriculture, biodefense/government, and sports
7/1/2019
Growing threat from HAIs drive cleaning demand
Candida auris has put the spotlight back on daily cleaning
7/1/2019
Getting started with energy management for hospitals
Most healthcare organizations treat their utility budgets as fixed costs, pay the bills and move on. With this approach, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in savings are left on the table.
7/1/2019
