OCH Regional Medical Center, a 96-bed facility in Starkville, Miss., is in discussions to sell to Memphis, Tenn.-based Baptist Memorial Health Care, following a vote by the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors on May 5 to designate Baptist as the preferred partner.
While a formal agreement is expected to be signed on or around July 31, the sale is not yet finalized, pending further due diligence and legal review, according to a statement from OCH.
OCH Regional CEO James Jackson emphasized the commitment to a transparent transition process, noting that key concerns raised by hospital staff — including employee retention, accrued PTO and years of service — were addressed positively during discussions with the Board.
“We remain committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent transition, and we’re confident that our core values and focus on compassionate care will continue to guide us every step of the way,” Mr. Jackson said.
For now, operations at OCH Regional Medical Center will continue as usual, with leadership maintaining ongoing communication with both the board of supervisors and Baptist Memorial to facilitate a “thoughtful and transparent” process, the hospital said.