Feed Editor 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT Briefings in Healthcare Environmental Services provides industry-specific news and information to ASHES members and other industry professionals. Delivered weekly, the publication keeps subscribers and their staffs informed of topics that impact the environmental services industry. http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/ashes/briefings.xml en After announcing a review of the 2009 interim flu guidelines, the CDC has released a rough draft of updated guidelines on the Federal Register, which will be up for public comment until July 22. 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4c2b4d976f698 1 Bees could have a key role to play in urgently needed new treatments to fight methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), according to research led at the University of Strathclyde. The scientists found that a substance known as beeglue or propolis, originating from beehives in the Pacific region, was active against MRSA, which causes potentially fatal infections, particularly in hospital patients. The pathogen was either the underlying cause or a contributory factor in more than 1,900 deaths between 1996 and 2008. 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4c2a4408a061f 2 The event schedule and sessions list for the ASHES Annual Conference can now be previewed online. This will let you know what to look forward to at the Conference and help make your case to your employer for joining us in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. ASHES has put together a great Conference for you to help expand your knowledge, broaden your horizons, and integrate fresh ideas into your work environment. The Conference also provides excellent opportunities to acquire new contacts, network, exchange ideas with colleagues, and enjoy multi-faceted activities in relaxing atmosphere. 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4c2a424034338 3 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT 4 In response to the call for warmer, quieter, more humanizing and overall healthier health care environments, carpet is increasingly the flooring of choice – finding its way into a variety of areas from administrative spaces and waiting rooms to nursing stations, corridors and patient rooms. Given carpeting's soothing design aesthetic and the health benefits it provides both patients and caregivers, it's no surprise. 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4c2a56c634d3e 5 ASHES Award Applications/Nominations Now Open ASHES is now accepting applications for the 2010 Member Recognition Awards. We encourage you to nominate your ASHES peers, but don't hesitate to nominate yourselves as well. The ASHES Recognition Awards Program is a great opportunity to demonstrate the stellar work being done in your hospitals, departments and in your communities. The nomination and selections process for all awards will remain consistent with previous years. Please submit your nomination on or before July 23rd, 2010 for consideration. 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4c2a426dcb83a 6 According to Becky A. Miller, MD, who presented study results at an oral session at the Fifth Decennial International Conference on Healthcare-Associated Infections 2010, hospital-onset, healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) have increased in frequency. Now, C. difficile has passed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in the race to be the most prevalent healthcare-acquired infection (HAI) in hospitals. 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4c2a45447b975 7 Whooping cough, declared an epidemic in California last week, may look like just a cold or a persistent cough in adults. But in infants, it can be fatal, making adult vaccination essential, doctors say. Peaks in cases of the highly contagious disease cycle every two to five years. California saw its last peak in 2005, with 3,182 cases, according to state health officials. 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4c2a61af54ace 8 A fleet of robots is to carry out day-to-day tasks at an NHS hospital, it has been revealed. The robots will be used to transport clinical waste and dirty linen, deliver food and dispense drugs at the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, Stirlingshire. It is the first time a U.K. hospital will use the state-of-the-art technology, which is already in place in hospitals in Japan, the U.S. and France. 1 Jul 2010 07:36:06 CDT http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4c2a5a2d46c20 9