Warning about Phenolics and Babies
Why we don’t use phenolics around babies
Housekeeping in Washington State Behavioral Health Facilities: A Historical and Safety-Oriented Perspective
Washington’s state hospitals grew rapidly between the 1920s and 1940s. By 1930, Western and Eastern State Hospitals housed thousands of patients, many of whom lived in appalling conditions. Despite the increased scale, there was no corresponding improvement in cleaning practices or worker protections. Institutional housekeeping remained a custodial function assigned to patients or underpaid staff without training.
Cleaning methods focused on visible tidiness rather than microbial safety. Chemical use was unregulated, and tools were rudimentary. Staff and patients were exposed to pathogens, toxic substances, and unsafe physical environments. There were no systems for reporting workplace injuries or exposures. Institutional goals prioritized containment over care, and the human dignity of workers and residents was largely ignored.
Maintaining the Hospital Physical Environment
The physical environment of a hospital plays an important role in patient safety. It’s not just about keeping things tidy—it’s about maintaining an environment that ensures patient safety, supports efficient operations, and complies with strict regulatory standards.
Education | Pest Control | Scabies | Training
Scabies: Everything you are itching to know
Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). These microscopic mites burrow into the skin to live, lay eggs, and trigger an allergic reaction, leading to intense itching and a rash.
Common Types of Healthcare Waste
Hospitals generate a diverse range of waste types that require specific handling and disposal methods to ensure compliance with regulations, protect public health, and minimize environmental impact.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the various waste types generated by healthcare facilities, including examples and handling practices:
Team Leadership Reflections part 2
As a leader, your communication sets the tone for interaction among your people. This simple yet profound truth underscores the importance of clear, consistent, and intentional communication in shaping the culture and success of any team. Leadership is not merely about issuing directives or setting goals; it’s about fostering connections and empowering others to contribute their strengths to a shared vision.
Understanding Biofilm in Healthcare Cleaning
Biofilm is a common but often overlooked challenge in healthcare settings, where it can increase the risk of infections. Understanding what biofilm is, how to recognize it, and how to remove it effectively is essential for healthcare environmental services staff.
Cleaning the Sterile Processing Department
A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning Hospital Sterile Processing Departments Cleaning the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) in a hospital is a critical task that ensures the integrity of sterilized medical instruments and safeguards patient safety. The standards set by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), and the Office of…
Cleaning Operating Rooms
Proper Cleaning of Hospital Operating Rooms: Adhering to AORN Standards and Joint Commission Requirements Hospital operating rooms (ORs) are critical environments where cleanliness and sterility are paramount to patient safety. The meticulous cleaning and disinfection of ORs play a crucial role in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining the trust…
Development | Education | Ideas | Leadership
Development as a Choice
Development matters. It matters to you, personally, your team, your leader, and our organization overall. If you are growing in your role or building your career for the next step, you are energized, excited, and hopeful of what is to come. When you carry this energy, excitement and hope around with you each day at…