Mission pilots patient-observer system to reduce fall injuries

With technology developed for the video gaming industry, Mission Health is piloting a groundbreaking observation system designed to prevent costly patient falls. The Cerner Patient Observer allows technicians to watch vulnerable patients remotely, talk to them and call for help when they attempt to get out of bed and risk hurting themselves in a fall. “It’s […]

Confusion at polls feared as new voter ID law takes effect

With a primary election less than four months away, North Carolina officials are scrambling to get ready for a controversial state law requiring photo IDs at the polls, even as a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality remains unresolved. Voting rights advocates fear the changes in how the state’s elections are conducted will create confusion among voters […]

City working to improve its Developmen­t Services Department

The head of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce says she’s hopeful that efforts underway to improve efficiency in the city Development Services Department will make it easier for developers to get their projects built. Kit Cramer serves on the Development Customer Advisory Group, which was created to provide input for improving the department. The […]

The paper chase: City permitting process stifles developmen­t, critics say

Developers have long complained about Asheville’s permitting process, and critics say their concerns were underscored this summer when Chris Brown dropped plans for a $2 million indoor trampoline park. City officials say they’re working hard to improve efficiency but have been hampered by a construction boom amid a serious shortage of qualified employees. “With all […]

Program gives students chance to learn about health care careers

The high school students craned their necks to get a good look at the mechanical mannequin that was about to give birth. “She’s contracting every three minutes now,” said Alesia Carpenter, a registered nurse. As manager of the simulation lab, she led the simulated birth in a Mission Hospital suite. A monitor displayed the makeshift mom’s […]

Deep brain stimulatio­n offers hope for tremor sufferers

Desperate for something that would calm his shaking hands, Sylva resident Ted Kubit found relief in deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure that involves drilling holes in the skull and implanting a device in the chest that sends signals to electrodes anchored in the brain. “It got to the point where I couldn’t even brush my teeth anymore,” Kubit, […]