Technology Aids in HAI Prevention
from Infection Control Today
 Technological advancements are beginning to revolutionize the way infection preventionists fight hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). We take a look at emerging technology and the way it is facilitating measurement and compliance with everything from hand hygiene to environmental cleaning and instrument decontamination and tracking. More 
Looking for a Change of Pace?
from ASHES
Whether you're looking for a new job, or ready to take the next step in your career, American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) will help you find the opportunity that's right for you. ASHES CareerLink is the premier electronic recruitment resource for the industry. Here, employers and recruiters can access the most qualified talent pool with relevant work experience to fulfill staffing needs. Visit ASHES CareerLink today to post your resume or view current job opportunities within the Environmental Services field. More
Healthcare Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week 2009 - September 13-19, 2009
from ASHES
During these tough economic times and staff and budget cutbacks, Healthcare ES and Housekeeping Week is the perfect time to demonstrate how much your organization appreciates and recognizes the important role of the unsung heroes on the front line of infection prevention. Celebrate this special week, September 13-19 and keep your staff motivated! Click here to purchase products from the ASHES Official supplier of Healthcare ES and Housekeeping Week products. Royalties purchased from the ASHES Official ES Week Supplier on all ES Week products assist ASHES with fulfilling its mission. More
2009 ASHES Member Award Nominations/Applications – Deadline July 31, 2009
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, Sept. 23 at the ASHES Annual Conference Awards Dinner. More
Flow Automation Technology Frees Beds
from United Press International
Some U.S. hospitals move patients to floor hallways hoping nurses will find beds quickly, but patient flow technology may work better, experts say. More
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Pending Pharma Waste Regulations
from Health Facilities Management
A handful of regulatory rulings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and some state environmental regulatory agencies could fundamentally affect how health care organizations handle their pharmaceutical waste. All have the potential to impact organizations that generate pharmaceutical waste because they carry environmental, operational and financial implications.
More
National Public Reporting of Health Care Associated Infections Supported by Experts
from Medical News Today
Five organizations representing the nation's experts in infectious diseases medicine, infection prevention in healthcare settings, and public health and disease prevention announced their support for a provision requiring national reporting of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates, which is contained within the healthcare reform bill introduced by leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives. More
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Product Showcase: The Activeion Pro
 The Sustainable Way to Clean. By eliminating the need for general-purpose cleaning chemicals, the Activeion Pro dramatically reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing, transporting, and disposing of chemicals and their related packaging. More info
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Bill Requires MRSA Screening
from Facility Care
The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate introduced legislation to require that patients entering hospitals be screened for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The bill includes a 2014 deadline date for screening to start.
An article in The Press of Atlantic City reported that the Veterans Health Administration implemented an MRSA screening program. MRSA infections in surgical units fell by 70 percent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers, who have weakened immune systems. These healthcare-associated staph infections include surgical wound infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.
Staph bacteria are a common cause of pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and bloodstream infections. CDC reports that the proportion of infections that are antimicrobial resistant has been growing. In 1974, MRSA infections accounted for 2 percent of the total number of staph infections; in 1995 it was 22 percent; and in 2004 it was 63 percent.
For more information on MRSA, Click here.
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