Scientific System Accurately Predicts Spread of H1N1
from Science Daily
A new scientific system developed by a St. Michael's Hospital physician, designed to rapidly evaluate the world's air traffic patterns, accurately predicted how the H1N1 virus would spread around the world, according to research recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. More

ASHES Practice Guidance for Healthcare Environmental Cleaning Winners Announced
from ASHES
Congratulations Carolyn Perry from All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida and Teresa Fisher from Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina for winning a copy of ASHES Practice Guidance for Healthcare Environmental Cleaning. Carolyn and Teresa visited the ASHES booth at the 2009 APIC Annual Conference and entered to win a copy of the Practice Guidance. Please visit the ASHES More

ASHES Members Award Nominations Being Accepted
from ASHES
ASHES is now accepting applications for 2009 Member Awards. We encourage you to nominate your peers or apply for an award yourself. This is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate to the membership and your organization the stellar work you have been doing in your hospitals and in your communities. All nominations must be submitted on or before July 31, 2009. Hurry! Apply Now! Winners will be announced Wednesday, September 23 at the ASHES Annual Conference Awards Dinner. More

Vaccinate Healthcare Workers First to Stem Spread of Influenza, Joint Commission says
from McKnight's
The Joint Commission's new guidance is designed to help reduce the overall spread of seasonal influenza. [Note: It does not address immunization strategies for H1N1, also known as the swine flu.] Among the strategies laid out in the guidance is the notion that healthcare workers should be inoculated soon after a vaccine become available. The Joint Commission suggests that, while inoculations among the general public tend to peak in November of each year, healthcare workers should get vaccinated much earlier, ideally before October. More

ASHES Announces Online Environmental Services Director Course
from ASHES
ASHES is pleased to add the Online ES Director Course to the catalogue of ASHES online education. This online course is designed as a self-directed educational program for new, seasoned or aspiring healthcare environmental services directors or managers seeking to play a role in the AHA Hospitals in Pursuit of Excellence (HPOE) as it relates to environmental services. The first course will begin Monday, July 27, 2009. More

Managing Pests in the Green Revolution
A Special Contribution to Briefings in Healthcare Environmental Services
When chlorinated hydrocarbon, or CHC, insecticides were discovered in the 1940s, few people considered the effect it might have outside of agricultural advances. Throughout the next two decades the liberal use of these insecticides would eventually trigger the need for a regulating organization, known today as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Unfortunately the damage was already done. While the adverse effects of pesticides, including long-term environmental issues and an impact on human health, were realized, much was needed to curtail the practices of the past. More

ASHES 24th Annual Conference Brochure Available!
from ASHES
The 2009 ASHES Annual Conference and Healthcare Marketplace brochure is now available. Browse the brochure online and discover the multi-faceted educational sessions offered this year in addition to the many activities planned for attendees. Visit the More

WHO says Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 “Isolated Case”
from Reuters
The first H1N1 infection found to be resistant to the antiviral drug Tamiflu represents an isolated case with no current implications for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. More

Bill: MRSA Screening in all U.S. Hospitals
from Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online
Legislation recently introduced in Congress would require all U.S. hospitals to screen patients for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and make MRSA rates available to the public, according to the Press of Atlantic City. More

Healthcare Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week 2009 - September 13-19, 2009
from ASHES
With the theme, “Environmental Services: Partners in Infection Prevention” this week recognizes the importance of the people who work in environmental services and housekeeping departments and showcases their integral role in preventing the transmission of infection. Celebrate the important front line role of environmental services and housekeeping departments in keeping American’s hospitals clean and safe! Directors and manger are encouraged to show their support for staff and colleagues during this week set aside each year. Suppliers and manufacturers are encouraged to celebrate with their clients and customers. Royalties purchased from the ASHES Official ES Week Supplier on all ES Week products help support ASHES strategic activities. For more information on how to purchase recognition week products from the ASHES preferred provider, visit www.ashes.org. More