APIC, ASHES release tips for keeping patient rooms clean
Infection Control Today
Hospital rooms can harbor germs that can cause serious infections, especially for elderly patients, those with weakened immune systems and those who have undergone surgery or who have catheters or tubes inserted in the body. National Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week (Sept. 13-19, 2009) is an opportunity to remind patients what an important role they can play in reducing the risk of infection transmission by keeping their hospital room as clean as possible. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) offer this advice to ensure a clean, healthy environment while patients are in a healthcare facility. More

As H1N1 looms, study shows students aren't protecting themselves
Infection Control Today
As public health experts warn of potential widespread outbreaks of H1N1 flu this school year, a new study from North Carolina State University shows that students do not comply with basic preventative measures as much as they think do. In other words, the kids aren’t washing their hands. More

ICAAC: Hospital surfaces major source of C. difficile
Medpage Today
Healthcare workers are just as likely to pick up Clostridium difficile spores from bed rails and other surfaces around a hospital room as from touching an infected patient's skin, researchers found.More

Last Call to Order 2009 ES Week Materials
ASHES
This is the last week to order your 2009 ES Week promotional items! Show support & appreciation for Healthcare Environmental Services & Housekeeping Departments with exclusive gifts from the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) & celebrate with products featuring the official ASHES theme: "Partners in Infection Prevention." Call 847-963-8100 for rush delivery or click here to place your order with Jim Coleman, Inc. Royalties on sales assist ASHES with fulfilling its mission. More

Breaking News - Healthcare Reform Bill finally released
the Senate Committee on Finance
More

AHA urges changes to proposed 'meaningful use' standards
AHA News Now
The AHA expressed concern that recommendations proposed by the Health Information Technology Standards Committee would change the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's privacy and security rules "in inappropriate and unworkable waysMore

Is your daily shower blasting your face with pathogenic germs?
Medical News Today
Most of us have a daily shower to keep us clean, not to infect our faces with potentially pathogenic bacteria. According to a study carried out by scientists at the University of Colorado at Boulder, USA, 30 percent of showerheads harbor significant levels of Mycobacterium avium (M avium), a bacterium associated with lung disease that can pose serious health risks for people with weakened immune systems, and can sometimes infect healthy people too.More