For 90 years, Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has been more than just a hospital — it has been a driving force in healthcare progress, ensuring high-quality, accessible care for the community.

Through innovation, expanded access and national recognition for excellence, JRMC continues to move the region forward. From improving access through online scheduling and rural specialty clinics to leading advancements in surgical care, JRMC remains dedicated to keeping healthcare advanced, patient-focused and close to home.

“Healthcare is always changing, and so are we,” said JRMC President and CEO Mike Delfs. “Our team is committed to bringing innovative solutions that make care more convenient, effective and accessible for the people we serve.”

JRMC is removing barriers to care with its online scheduling tool, making it easier for patients to book appointments with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Gynecology and Obstetrics, Orthopedics, Podiatry and Urology specialists. Appointments immediately sync with the provider schedule and no referral is needed.

For those outside Jamestown, JRMC also brings specialty care closer to home. Patients in Carrington have long had access to orthopedic and podiatry services, and now, starting April 10, wound care specialist Holli Marquart will offer a weekly clinic at the JRMC Carrington Clinic located at 923 1st St. S.

While these services aren’t new, some residents may not realize how much care is already available in their community.

“Expanding access doesn’t always mean building something new,” said Trisha Jungels, JRMC chief nursing officer. “Sometimes, it’s about making sure people know the resources they already have — and ensuring they’re as easy to access as possible.”

When Jamestown Hospital opened in 1935, joint replacement surgery didn’t exist. Patients with severe joint pain had few options beyond braces, pain management or limited mobility.

Today, JRMC’s same-day joint replacement program allows patients to have knee replacement surgery in the morning and return home that same day. Other joints, like hips and shoulders typically only require a night stay.

“The ability to replace a joint and send a patient home the same day is a major step forward,” said Dr. Roxanne Keene, JRMC orthopedic surgeon. “With advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia and recovery protocols, patients can start moving sooner, experience less pain and heal faster—all while recovering in the comfort of their own home.”

As JRMC celebrates 90 years of service, it reflects on nearly a century of growth and transformation. What opened as Jamestown Hospital in 1935 has evolved into a regional healthcare leader, continuously adapting to meet the community’s needs.

One of its most significant investments is its people. JRMC is currently on the American Nurses Credentialing Center Pathway to Excellence, a prestigious designation recognizing hospitals that create a positive, supportive work environment for nurses and staff. A strong workplace culture means better retention, improved patient care and a healthier community.

“We know that taking care of our team means better patient care,” Jungels said. “Creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued and empowered leads to better outcomes for everyone.”

JRMC’s commitment to excellence has also been recognized at the national level. The medical center has been named a 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for the twelfth time by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, highlighting its dedication to providing high-quality, efficient care for rural communities.

Additionally, its obstetrics team has been nationally ranked in the top 12% by the Women’s Choice Award, ensuring outstanding care for mothers and newborns.

Healthcare is about progress — ensuring the next generation has access to better, more efficient and compassionate care.

As JRMC continues evolving, it is exploring robotic-assisted surgical technology to enhance patient outcomes further. Robotic surgery, including the da Vinci surgical system, is recognized for its precision, minimally invasive techniques and faster recovery times. While commonly used in urology and gynecology, JRMC also looks at how it could expand general surgery coverage in the region.

“Technology like the da Vinci system is reshaping surgery,” Delfs said. “It allows for greater precision, smaller incisions and shorter recovery times, which means better patient outcomes.”

Bringing robotic-assisted surgery to JRMC would require a significant investment, including ensuring that at least two full-time surgeons fully utilize the system. As JRMC continues to grow and gain recognition as a surgical center of excellence, expanding its capabilities with robotic technology would allow even more patients to receive advanced care close to home.

From expanded online scheduling to specialty care in Carrington, from cutting-edge orthopedic advancements to nationally recognized patient care, JRMC is leading the way.

The medical center is not just growing — it’s evolving, meeting the changing needs of its patients and community. And that is what moving the community forward truly means: meeting the needs of today while preparing for tomorrow.

As JRMC marks 90 years of service, it does so with a clear mission: to exceed expectations and be THE difference in the lives of those we serve.

As seen in the March 29, 2025 edition of The Jamestown Sun. Article contributed by Jamestown Regional Medical Center.