Getty

Ebola a workplace issue for healthcare facilities

Hospitals focusing on training, communication to diminish risk and worry


Only a few hospitals in the U.S. are currently treating Ebola patients, but healthcare workers around the country are on edge, according to an article on The Wall Street Journal website.

Issues around communication, training and pay are being raised and healthcare facilities are trying to deal with staff concerns as they worry about staffing if Ebola reaches their doors.

New York’s Mount Sinai Health System is trying to combat “a rising sense of anxiety” among staff with town hall meetings hosted by the organization’s president and an infectious-disease expert, according to the article.

Managers are also being trained to take the emotional temperature of their employees with brief huddles during shift changes.

Right now, Sinai staff care for the patients they are assigned to but the health system is trying to figure out how to respond if a worker refuses, the article said.

Mount Sinai and several other hospitals said they don’t plan to give extra pay to those caring for Ebola patients. Stanford Wilson, an employment lawyer based in Atlanta, advised against so-called hazard pay, saying it could create problems for employers.

Read the article.

 

 



October 17, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

The OR HVAC Puzzle: Why Individual Systems Are on the Rise

Extra penetrations, tight clearances and strict humidity needs—design experts explain what it really takes to plan dedicated units for each operating room.


Skanska Completes Renovation of Specialized Care Facility for Sutter Health

The project was delivered through a highly coordinated effort, utilizing advanced construction methodologies to maintain efficiency.


Whitfield Regional Hospital Reports June 2025 Data Breach

The organization will continually evaluate and modify its practices and internal controls to enhance the security and privacy of personal information.


Silent Undercount: HAI Deaths Are Far Higher Than Reported

Several critical factors help explain inaccurate data on deaths from healthcare-associated infections.


Ground Broken on Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital Expansion Project in Ohio

The expansion is expected to be completed in 2029.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.