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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Amongst a crowd of Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce members, a senator and a state representative, Ottumwa Regional Health Center debuted their newly redone Emergency Department with a grand re-opening.

The project has been in the works for years and is just one of several renovations and projects in the works at the hospital. A new ICU was recently completed and by the end of the year, five new physicians and two new medical buildings are set to be added as well.

Each project is part of Ottumwa Regional's overall goal of giving the community the best service and medical care they can possibly provide.

"I think for Ottumwa Regional Health Center, it's more about what it means for the community," said Phil Dionne, CEO of Ottumwa Regional. "The renovated ED and the time and effort we put into that, a lot of patients to come in and be seen more expeditiously. Aside from the fact that it's just a beautiful environment and it's more practical in moving the patients through, we have additional rooms, we have more workspace for our employees, so it creates a more comforting environment when someone's coming in and they need care."

Ottumwa Regional opened a walk-in clinic on Ottumwa's south side in June and has seen great success since. The hospital is now considering opening a second walk-in clinic, this time on the north side of town, to further cater to the health needs of Ottumwa's residents.