A Salt Lake City hospital unit experienced a sharp but temporary decline in patient colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in the year following an extensive renovation, according to an article on the Healio website.
Researchers said the drop was likely because contaminated surfaces had been replaced.
According to the study, VRE is one of the bacterial pathogens with potential to contaminate the surfaces in patient rooms, leading to an increased risk of colonization and infection.
“Thus, remodeling that includes replacement of surfaces could conceivably reduce the rate of infection, at least until environmental recontamination occurs,” researchers said.
Inside One of Healthcare's Most Ambitious Hospital Projects 
Turning Condensate Loss into a Systemwide Steam Efficiency Opportunity
The Leapfrog Group Publishes 2026 Ratings for Hospitals and ASCs
Going Solar with No Upfront Costs
Northwell Health Finds Energy Savings in Steam Systems