Cleaning Fluids 'Pose Health Risk'
from The Press Association
A pilot study in the US showed that common products used at six hospitals contained potentially hazardous chemicals. They included ammonium chlorides, glycol ethers and ethanolamine, all of which irritate either the skin or lungs. Several harmful alcohols, including benzyl alcohol, were also found. More

GAO Calls for Better ASC Data on HAIs
from AHA News Now
The Department of Health and Human Services should develop and implement a plan to conduct recurring periodic surveys of randomly selected ambulatory surgery centers to obtain standardized, nationally representative information on ASC practices to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office. More

Potential Magic Bullet for MRSA Treatment
from Science Daily
Attaching an antimicrobial drug, which is activated by light, to a peptide that binds to bacteria and stops them making toxins, produced a "magic bullet" that was highly effective at killing the superbug, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). More

Kimberly-Clark Professional Donates Supplies to Assist Fargo, ND, in Red River Flood Cleanup Efforts
from Fox Business
Kimberly-Clark Professional is donating thousands of health and hygiene products to help businesses and residents in Fargo, ND, clean up from the extensive damage caused by the recent Red River flooding. More

ASHES Webcast: Staffing for 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

Cleaning Solution Mixed Improperly During Deadly Hospital Outbreak
from Canada.com
The bleach cleaning solution used by housekeeping staff at Nanaimo, B.C., Regional General Hospital during the early stages of a deadly outbreak of Clostridium difficile was too weak to kill the dangerous bacteria, the Nanaimo Daily News has learned. More

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 this site today.

Control, Treatment of Bed Bugs Challenging
from Infection Control Today
A review of previously published articles indicates there is little evidence supporting an effective treatment of bites from bed bugs, that these insects do not appear to transmit disease, and control and eradication of bed bugs is challenging, according to an article in the April 1 issue of JAMA. More

Handwashing More Important Than Isolation In Controlling MRSA Superbug Infection
from Medical News Today
Regular handwashing by hospital staff and visitors did more to prevent the spread of the MRSA superbug than isolating infected patients. At the Society for General Microbiology meeting in Harrogate,U.K., Dr Peter Wilson from University College Hospital, London, reported on a year-long study in two hospital intensive care units. In the middle six months of the year patients with MRSA were not moved to single rooms or nursed in separate MRSA bays. The rates of cross infection with MRSA were compared to the periods when patients were moved. Patients were tested for MRSA weekly and hand hygiene by staff and visitors audited and encouraged. There was no evidence of increased transmission of infection when patients were not moved. More

Surgical Patients with Heel Ulcers May Cost Hospitals Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars Annually
from Infection Control Today
Without proper perioperative care, surgical patients are at higher risk for developing heel pressure ulcers (hPUs), and resulting infections are having substantial economic impact on the cost of care. According to a study presented earlier this month at the annual AORN Congress, a heel pressure ulcer protocol should be adopted to optimize care for high-risk patients, comply with new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines and minimize costs. More

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