Singing River Health System has a buyer and it isn’t who most people expected

Jackson County Supervisors announced Monday they selected the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System to purchase Singing River Hospital.

The buyer was founded in 1911 and operates in Louisiana and Mississippi. The website says the health system is one of the largest in Louisiana, with hospitals, clinics and physicians throughout Louisiana and at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson

The decision “comes after a thoughtful process to identify the best partner,” the county said in a press release, and the sale is expected to be complete in the fall.

The supervisors worked with Raymond James, a third-party healthcare-focused advisory firm, to find a buyer.

Ochsner Health System, based in the New Orleans area, was the expected buyer because it already was working in partnership with Singing River.

“We are excited about the possibilities for healthcare in our region and believe the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System is the right choice,” says Ken Taylor, president of the Jackson County Supervisors. “Fundamentally, they share our community values and have a mission to provide equal access to healthcare for all.”

Tiffany Murdock, Singing River Health System CEO. “Our future with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System ensures that Singing River will be able to meet the needs of our employees, patients and community members for years to come.”