JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s newest staff member may arguably be it’s most important.

On May 17th, the JRMC opened their doors to the public to introduce their newest piece of technology; the Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot. Named R.O.S.I.E (Robot Offering Safe Ideal Environment) by an area student, the technology will be used to disinfect facilities, offices, operating rooms and more at the JRMC. Dane Grebel is the JRMC Environmental Services Manager.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug-resistant bacteria infects more than 2 million people nationwide, killing at least 23,000 individuals yearly. That’s why the hospital invested in this newest technology.

Grebel says the new technology will help destroy microscopic pathogens that may be lurking on hospital surfaces. Using light to destroy hard-to-kill germs, R.O.S.I.E can reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections.

JRMC VP Ricki Ramlo says the Environmental Services at the hospital will continue to clean, but will be utilizing their newest “team member” more often.

With community support, fundraising and children’s involvement, the JRMC was able to raise the $100,000 needed to purchase the Xenex system. JRMC Marketing Manager Katie Ryan-Anderson says they’re appreciative of the community and Giving Hearts Day for helping them reach their goal.

More than 400 healthcare facilities around the world use Xenex’s pulsed xenon UV robots. Numerous health care facilities credit Xenex for helping them reduce their infection rates significantly. Several hospitals have published their C.diff, MRSA and Surgical Site infection rate reduction studies in peer-reviewed journals.

The public and nearly 80 students from area schools were invited to an open house to learn more about the robot, receiving tours and demonstrations of the equipment. You can find photos and video from the event below.