Singing River Health System on the Gulf Coast is looking to sell. But before that can happen, the hospital systems Board of Trustees has to present a resolution to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors. That’s expected to happen on June 6 at their regular meeting. If Supervisors approve, there will be a public hearing on the issue.
They issued the following statement after announcing their plans Wednesday.
As part of Singing River Health System’s ongoing commitment to providing our community with the best possible healthcare, the Board of Trustees today voted to pursue a fully integrated model or sale with a like-minded healthcare organization that will invest in and grow our system.
Our Board of Trustees is singularly focused on doing everything possible to secure the best future for local healthcare in Jackson County and along the Gulf Coast while managing the complexities of a constantly evolving healthcare industry. Over the last decade, the healthcare industry has continually changed, with community hospitals like ours facing the strongest headwinds.
To keep delivering award-winning care to our patients, our Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team continuously evaluate partnerships and collaborative opportunities. They believe the time is right to explore a fully integrated model that will benefit our employees, physicians and advanced practice providers – ensuring the best possible future of healthcare in our communities.
For now, employees and patients won’t be affected.
Ochsner Health already has a partnership with Singing River, so they’re expected to be a part of the early negotiations, though other potential offers would also be considered. Singing River went into further detail in a news release.
Singing River expects to engage in negotiations with Ochsner Health early in, and as part of, the formal process. If the sale or full integration process proceeds beyond the public hearing, the formal process will also include the Board of Supervisors pursuing a formal request for proposals from other health
systems that may be interested in submitting offers that are higher and/or better than Ochsner Health’s offer. If a sale or other full integration occurs, the Singing River assets will be sold to or fully integrated with the highest and best bidder that is identified during the formal process.
