Baptist Health reached a definitive agreement to acquire South Arkansas Regional Hospital in El Dorado, Ark., and add it to the Baptist Health system. Although the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, Baptist Health stated that it will officially change the name of the 151-bed hospital to Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado on June 14.
South Arkansas Regional Hospital will become Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado on June 14. | Photo via Baptist Health
Baptist Health stated that it was approached by South Arkansas Regional Hospital, which expressed its interest in merging into the system. “It’s an extremely challenging time for community hospitals and many are looking for a healthcare system to partner with them to remain sustainable,” said Baptist Health President and CEO Troy Wells in a press release. “Baptist Health continues to have a proven track record for operating rural hospitals efficiently in much needed areas of the state.”
South Arkansas Regional Hospital President Danna Taylor said the facility took this step to “strengthen our ability to provide high-quality care and ensure the long-term stability of our hospital in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. By joining Baptist Health, we will gain access to additional clinical resources, technology, operational support, and expertise that will help us continue delivering the care our patients rely on every day.”
A Level III Trauma Center, South Arkansas Regional Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient services including emergency care, obstetrics, cardiology and orthopedics.
“The period from March until acquisition in June will allow the opportunity to minimize disruptions to operations and help with a smooth transition,” stated Baptist Health, which operates 12 hospitals in Arkansas, employs 12,000, and is the largest private not-for-profit healthcare organization based in the state.
