Focus: Infection Control

Hospital procedural change blamed for 6 nurses testing positive

Syracuse hospital told nurses it was no longer necessary to wear N95 masks and that surgical masks are enough


Nurses at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y.,  said hospital officials told them it was no longer necessary to wear N95 masks and that surgical masks are enough, according to an article on the CNY Central website.

They further blame a change in the hospital's airflow system at the end of April and believe it contributed to six of them getting sick.

The hospital has been treating COVID-19 patients since March and no nurses got sick. But, the nurses say, after the procedure change six of their colleagues have contracted COVID-19.

Plus, at one point, the hospital took down the negative pressure unit, a nurse said. It has since restarted the negative pressure airflow throughout the COVID-19 unit.

Read the article.



May 22, 2020


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Fire Protection in Healthcare: Why Active and Passive Systems Must Work as One

Sprinklers, smoke compartments and firestopping can form an interdependent safety strategy.


Cleveland Clinic Hits Key Milestones for Palm Beach County Expansion

These include plans to begin demolition of current structure and hospital site preparation in 2026 and open the outpatient center and ambulatory surgery center in 2027.


Emanuel Medical Center Caught Up in Data Breach

The breach occurred in May 2025.


Assisted Living Facility Violated Safety Standards: OSHA

Fire at Gabriel House killed 10 residents died and injured and displaced dozens of others.


McCarthy Completes Construction of Citizens Health Hospital in Kansas

The facility is among the nation’s largest hospitals funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Critical Access Hospital program.


 
 


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.