ORANGE CITY, Iowa (KTIV) - According to the Common Sense Institute , Iowa has 17% fewer physicians per capita in rural areas like Sioux County, versus more urban areas like Sioux City.

This leaves more rural residents at a greater risk of worse health outcomes should a health emergency happen.

One rural Northwest Iowa hospital is working to change that.

Orange City Area Health Systems in Sioux County is looking ahead to its future and the future of its patients and doctors. The hospital is currently undergoing construction to add more space, including a new operating room, to its facility.

CEO of the hospital, Marty Guthmiller, says continued growth is critical for a rural hospital.

“What some people don’t recognize is the economic engine that’s involved in this and to be able to ke

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