Dana Kruse, a valued nurse at Orange City Area Health System, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Gwen Post, Sanford Health Nursing and Clinical Services Consultant, presented the award to Dana on March 13. Dana has been a registered nurse at Orange City Area Health System since July of 2022 and was hired as a new grad from NCC in Sheldon. Prior to her position at OCAHS, Dana worked as an LPN for a nursing home in Sibley. Dana was nominated for this award by Maggie Salas, a family member of a patient served at our hospital. In her nomination submission, she describes Dana: “I want to nominate Dana for the Daisy Award. She provided incredibly compassionate care to my aunt, Bobby Reuvers, while she received hospice care for pancreatic cancer. Her care went beyond just the medical realm and she touched our entire family during a time of

Orange City Area Health System is experiencing a service disruption due to a vendor cybersecurity incident reported on February 21, 2024 impacting Optum and Change Healthcare. Change Healthcare provides us with a large umbrella of services comprised of insurance verification, benefit eligibility and authorization, claims submission, and payment processing. Sanford Health, our business partner, took immediate steps and disconnected from Change Healthcare, upon being alerted of the incident. You will notice a delay in receiving authorization, processing of your claims, receipt of explanation of benefits from your insurance company, and receipt of account statements from Orange City Area Health System. Processing of claims will resume as soon as a safe connection can be established. Our number one priority is to ensure our patients have confidence their private information is protected, and that there is no disruption to patient care.

“In the fall of 2021, I was scheduled to have a routine screening colonoscopy. In a previous screening a polyp had been detected but nothing of any significance, and I was anticipating the same results this time. Dr. Nykamp performed the colonoscopy in the Orange City Area Health System Surgery Center, but this time he noticed something a little abnormal in my large intestine. He sent the biopsy for evaluation, but the results were inconclusive. Dr. Nykamp suggested that another colonoscopy be performed and that another sample be sent in. The results were positive for cancer. It was in the early stages and had not penetrated through the wall of my large intestine. Dr. Nykamp recommended that I have a colon resection surgery to remove the cancerous portion. Because of the location of the cancer, he and Dr. Steve Locker performed the surgery. I spent about six days in the Orange

When Rob Rozeboom of RISE Ministries visited our Emergency Room one evening, he found comfort and inspiration in our “total healing environment” as he wheeled himself through the front lobby to the waterfall. He asked if he could film his Good Friday service on our campus, and it was an honor to welcome him and his crew. Here’s a note from them… “RISE Ministries is grateful to the Orange City hospital for opening its doors for us to film our Annual Good Friday program. Rob Roozeboom and singer-songwriter Cade Thompson walked through the hallways and spent time in a hospice room talking about Good Friday and grief. They explored grieving the loss of loved ones and grieving expectations of what was and may never be again. Join RISE Ministries on March 29 as Rob and Cade dive deeper into the topics of grief and joy during our Good Friday program

Orange City Area Health System today announced it has been recognized as a 2024 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program recognizes outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. “This is an honor we are indeed very proud of,” commented Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. “It reflects the efforts of all our staff and volunteers in providing top quality patient experience and care every day.” Now in its 14th year, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Featuring a methodology utilizing publicly available data, the INDEX is leveraged nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital

An interview with Nor, a Landsmeer resident furry feline as published in the Capital-Democrat Interviewer: How would you describe The Cattery, and where is it? Nor: I would say it is a purrfectly wonderful place for senior felines who want to spend their remaining time in safety and comfort. As far as I know, it is outside of Lemon Town in the land of IA. I say that because each day we are served fresh lemonade and all those lemons must come from some place close by. What are living conditions like? Each resident has a condo consisting of two compartments, one for daytime lounging and one for nighttime rest, plus space for evening snacks, storage of toys and accessories, and our own private litter box. The building itself has a lobby area with a firepit, an eating area, a food prep area, a snack bar (for late evening treats), some

Cheryl Kooiker, a Nurse Aide serving in our hospital and surgery center for over 12 years, celebrated the birth of FIVE grandbabies between April 2023 and January 2024. They were all born at Orange City Area Health System, and all were delivered by a different physician on our birthcare/family medicine team. How cool is that? Left to right: Dayna Kooiker from Sheldon with daughter Norah, born January 19, 2024; Christina Blankespoor from Sheldon with son Jensen, born October 19, 2023; Grandma Cheryl Kooiker; Shania Van Donkelaar from Hospers with daughter Stella, born May 26, 2023; Kelly Kooiker from Sheldon with son Oliver, born May 11, 2023; Rochelle Gritters from Hull with son Asher, born April 13, 2023. Baby Norah was one of 26 babies born in our Birth Center in January. Wanna know the names of all the babes we welcomed last month? … GirlsEleanor, Zaelynn, Itzayana, Nayleah, Clara, Heidi

We are so excited to announce the birth of the first baby to enter the world here at Orange City Area Health System in 2024! Heidi Jane was born January 2 at 6:17pm, weighing 7lbs 8oz and measuring 20 inches. Parents Rachel and John Hofland from Hartley — and big brother JJ — welcomed their precious little girl … and allowed us to share the news! The family was presented with some goodies/gifts from our Gift Garden and from Orange City Chamber members. Congratulations to this growing family, and thank you to all the parents in this region who continue to trust us for a lifetime of care. Orange City Area Health System welcomed 212 babies in 2023 … from 46 different zip codes including … Alcester, Allendale, Alton, Archer, Aurelia, Beresford, Boyden, Brunsville, Cherokee, Cleghorn, Coralville, Doon, Granville, Hartley, Hawarden, Hospers, Hull, Inwood, Ireton, Kingsley, Larchwood, Le Mars, Linden

At a young age, Eliza was diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome. Kleefstra syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects the development process. It often influences muscle tone and development, including movement, learning, and speech. Parents Paul and Julia Clemens looked into intense therapy options for 19-month-old Eliza in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area, but treatments in the Twin Cities had a one year waiting list. For developmental delays, especially in children, it is crucial to start early, so  Paul and Julia  reconsidered their options.  In May of 2023, the couple inquired about coming to Orange City Area Health System, but they were worried about how their out-of-state insurance would work here in Iowa. After talking with the office staff, Julia said, “The staff was so helpful and understanding about our situation, and we are so grateful for all the work they put into making it possible for Eliza to be a patient of Orange City Area Health System.”     Eliza arrived at OCAHS during the third week of July,

Amy Jungers was elected to the Board of Trustees of Orange City Area Health System at the November 7, 2023, elections held in Alton, Iowa. She will be replacing board member Brenda Richardson, who is retiring in January. The seven-member health system Board of Trustees consists of six Orange City residents and one Alton resident. Trustees serve four-year terms. Jungers will assume the Alton seat. As a member of the board, Jungers “plans to bring a voice for the young families in the community.”  “My family has had great experiences at Orange City Area Health System over the years, in physical therapy, the birth center, clinic, and hospital stays,” said Jungers. “I hope to help bring these positive experiences to others, especially during times of trial.” “We are pleased and grateful that Amy will be joining our Board,” commented Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. “While Amy

Orange City Area Health System has been named a recipient of the Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience for the 10th consecutive year. This distinction is the only award that identifies the nation’s best healthcare institutions measured against the needs and preferences of women, providing her the opportunity to identify which hospitals deliver the quality patient experience she seeks for her and her family. Being named and recognized as a hospital of choice among women represents the strongest and most important consumer message in today’s healthcare marketplace. It considers that women account for 94% of all healthcare decisions for her and her family. “We are honored that the women we serve in this region have indicated their confidence in us through this award,” said Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. “It is a testament to our employees and their commitment