R.O.S.I.E. is a Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot. She kills germs and viruses that are difficult to disinfect and difficult to treat.

Among those is the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Bacteria and other germs can be found everywhere – offices, schools, skilled nursing facilities and even hospitals. Superbugs like C.diff, MRSA and COVID-19 are some of the most resilient. The Xenex technology, UV-C light, works at a cellular level to rupture the cell membrane so it cannot survive.

Since March 31, 2020, more than XX North Dakotans have tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 and other diseases like it are why Jamestown Regional Medical Center invests in ways to enhance patient care and safety. With the community’s support, JRMC purchased R.O.S.I.E. in 2018.

“R.O.S.I.E. is working overtime,” said Dane Grebel, JRMC Environmental Services and Emergency Manager. “And that’s great. What’s even better is more of our teams are learning how to operate this technology. That means we can clean rooms even faster, which is important as we plan for a surge.”

As a critical access hospital, JRMC has 25 patient beds. In the event of a surge, JRMC could accommodate more than 60. Standard infection control measures, as well as R.O.S.I.E., will keep those patients and the medical teams who care for them, safe.

“JRMC is prepared to care for this community. We’re ready 24/7, as we always have been and always will,” said JRMC President & CEO Mike Delfs.

R.O.S.I.E. pulses environmentally friendly xenon ultraviolet (UV) light and destroys microscopic pathogens that may be lurking on hospital surfaces quickly. R.O.S.I.E. enhances environmental cleanliness by destroying hard-to-kill germs, bacteria and superbugs in hard-to-clean places. JRMC uses R.O.S.I.E. in its operating rooms and patient care areas as an added step to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other healthcare-associated infections.

R.O.S.I.E. can disinfect a typical patient or procedure room in 10-15 minutes. Operated by the hospital’s cleaning staff and now nursing teams, R.O.S.I.E. can disinfect in any department or unit at JRMC. R.O.S.I.E. is an additional tool for the cleaning staff and does not replace any person or position.

“This innovative equipment was entirely funded by donations to the JRMC Foundation. It added another layer of protection to our staff and patients. Today more than ever we are deeply grateful for the community support that has helped put JRMC in a position to provide this level of care,” said JRMC Foundation Director Lisa Jackson.

Typical symptoms of COVID-19 are:

  • fever
  • cough
  • difficulty breathing

Anyone who is experiencing respiratory distress or an extremely high temperature should seek immediate medical help.

To protect yourself and your family:

  • maintain social distancing
  • wash hands with soap and water
  • cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
  • avoid touching eyes nose and mouth
  • avoid contact with the sick
  • if you are sick, avoid contact with others

 

As always, if you feel you might have COVID-19, please call your primary care provider by phone. The care team will determine whether you need testing. Both Essentia Health and Sanford Health clinics are offering COVID-19 E-visit screenings at no cost to patients.

To protect patients and staff, please limit in-person visits. Please call ahead of you choose to visit the Emergency Department. The number is (701) 952-4578.