Study Reveals What Makes C. diff Superbug Deadly
from Medical News Today
 A Major breakthrough about the potentially deadly superbug Clostridium difficile (C. diff) could lead to new ways to combat the bacterium, according to a study published March 1 in the journal Nature. The study reveals that for decades researchers have been focusing on the wrong toxin that is released by the bacteria in the colon. The toxin can cause severe diarrhea and life-threatening colitis that could lead to the surgical removal of the colon. More
MRSA Infections on the Rise in Children
from CNN
Although a recent study shows reports that MRSA central line-associated bloodstream infections in hospital ICU’s are declining, a CNN article reports MRSA cases are on the rise among children.
According to CNN, doctors are seeing more and more MRSA among children in the last few years. CDC records show that in an eight year period leading up to 2005, hospital visits among those under 18 had the greatest increase in MRSA.
Doctor’s are attributing community MRSA to the increase of cases in children, as well as the increasing resistance to antibiotics.
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ASHES Offers Online Supervisory Course
from ASHES
For the new supervisor or manager, this ten week, self directed program covers areas such as: environmental sanitation, microbiology, management and distribution of work, customer service, quality assurance and provides program participants the opportunity to collaborate, interact, problem solve and complete a targeted final project. Each module includes reading assignments, discussion opportunities and a project. Learn new ideas and strategies from the reading materials and from each other as you fine tune your skill sets.
Register today by completing the Online Supervisory Course registration form. Registration closes on Monday, March 16, 2009 for the first study group of the year. Course begins Monday, March 23, 2009. Introductory price: Members $189; Non-members:$239. More
Contracting Out, Hand Washing Won't Break Deadly Chain of Infection
from MSNBC
While hand washing is a positive measure in fighting health care associated infections (HAIs), a new research paper from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) says that governments and employers must invest in cleaning and keep services public in order to stop unnecessary suffering and deaths.
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Deliver Quality Care and Environmental Responsibility with Green Pest Management
A Contribution to Briefings in Healthcare Environmental Services
In addition to meeting their healthcare needs, Americans now expect their healthcare providers to be environmentally responsible. Increasing numbers of facilities are responding by making it a top priority in their everyday operations, including the area of pest management. But despite the best intentions, it can be challenging to maintain a pest-free establishment and go green at the same time.
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Product Showcase: Activeion Pro
 The Activeion Pro transforms tap water into a powerful cleaner freeing healthcare professionals from the impact of cleaning chemicals. In fact, the Activeion Pro can eliminate up to 47 of today’s general-purpose, glass, and carpet cleaning chemicals, resulting in lower costs, simplified processes, and safer environments for their patients and employees. Visit www.activeion.com today.
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WHO Launches Hand Hygiene Campaign
from Infection Control Weekly Monitor
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new hand hygiene program in which hospitals can register to receive a number of hand hygiene and infection prevention resources that will be available starting May 5. The “Save Lives: Clean Your Hands” program is part of an effort to invite hospitals and healthcare facilities around the world to take part in raising hand hygiene awareness and reducing healthcare-associated infections. WHO has set a number of patient safety goals for the launch of the program on May 5. The organization aims to have 5,000 hospitals worldwide registered by May 5, 2010. By 2020, WHO wants to have 100% of the world’s countries signed up and have an increase in country-wide hand hygiene campaigns.
On May 5, WHO will also launch a revised hand hygiene implementation toolkit, available to those hospitals that register. So far, 280 hospitals from 52 different countries have already registered.
Visit WHO’s Web site to register.
ASHES Web Cast: Staffing in a Troubled Economy
from ASHES
Are you managing your ES department staff efficiently? With today's economy, the stakes are high. The web cast "Staffing for a Troubled Economy" will give you the tools to justify the staff needed to maintain a high-quality, patient-centered operation. ASHES member, Robert Hodnik, presents an innovative task frequency analysis model to determine staffing needs. Participants will learn to utilize a quantitative model of productivity based upon fixed and variable tasks performed rather than traditional methods such as square footage. This model can be a useful means of documenting, in an objective manner, the number of employees necessary to achieve departmental and institutional goals. Register today to participate in this valuable learning experience. More
The Joint Commission Expresses Concern Over Poor Infection Control in MRIs
from Marketwire
In its February 2009 newsletter, "Environments of Care News," the Joint Commission, the main entity that accredits hospitals in the United States, has published an article titled "Preventing Infections in the MRI Suite: Magnetic Environment Poses Strong Challenges." More
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