Hospitals can learn from Dallas' Ebola mistakes

U.S. hospitals are concerned that more Ebola patients will emerge, pushing them to buy more protective equipment, build new isolation rooms


The mishandling of an Ebola patient in Dallas and the subsequent infection of two healthcare workers, along with the growing epidemic in Western Africa that has killed almost 4,000, has heightened concerns at U.S. hospitals that more Ebola patients will emerge, pushing them to buy more protective equipment, build new isolation rooms and enhance treatment plans, according to an article on the Chicago Tribune website.

"This is my entire job" now, Michelle Peninger, system director of infection control at Inova Health System, said in the article. "It's all I do every day."

The Inova team "looks at the screening process, waste disposal, how we're going to disinfect the room, post-mortem care, everything," she said. "We're still adding more people as we identify more issues."

Also, failing to identify Ebola, then sending a patient home where they can come into contact and infect others, is a situation hospitals are trying to prevent, the article said. 

Read the article.

 

 



October 15, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Disinfectant Contact Time: The Case for Biofilm Disruption

Contact time, while essential for compliance, does not reliably predict microbial reduction on actual healthcare surfaces.


Rethinking How Healthcare Facilities Fund Construction Projects

Rising costs and competing priorities are driving healthcare organizations to explore new financing arrangements and construction strategies.


Putting Trauma-Informed Design into Practice

Arnold's Place demonstrates how design choices can promote dignity and a sense of control for those experiencing homelessness.


Harris Health to Build New Freestanding Cancer Center

The center is planned to open in 2029, following the opening of the new O'Quinn Hospital along the North Loop at Lockwood.


Inland Empire Health Plan Opens Expanded San Bernardino Community Wellness Center

The new 33,000-square-foot center is nearly three times the size of the original location off Second Street.


 
 


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.