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Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | March 16, 2026
Baptist Health has signed a definitive agreement to acquire South Arkansas Regional Hospital in El Dorado, Arkansas, with plans to integrate the facility into its system later this year.
The Little Rock, Arkansas-based health system said the hospital will join its network on June 14, pending regulatory approvals. After the transaction closes, the 151-bed facility will be renamed Baptist Health Medical Center – El Dorado.
The hospital currently operates as a Level III Trauma Center and provides a range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency care, obstetrics, cardiology and orthopedics.
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According to Baptist Health, the transition period between the signing of the agreement and the planned June closing is intended to support operational continuity while the organizations work through integration planning.
“Baptist Health was approached by South Arkansas Regional Hospital about our interest in merging their hospital into the Baptist Health system,” said Troy Wells, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “It’s an extremely challenging time for community hospitals and many are looking for a healthcare system to partner with them to remain sustainable. 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 leadership said the move is aimed at maintaining long-term stability for the organization while expanding access to resources available through a larger health system.
“This step is being taken to strengthen our ability to provide high-quality care and ensure the long-term stability of our hospital in a rapidly changing healthcare environment,” said Danna Taylor, president of South Arkansas Regional Hospital. “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.”
Baptist Health operates a statewide network that includes 12 hospitals, dozens of outpatient clinics and urgent care centers, as well as education programs in nursing and allied health. The organization is the largest private nonprofit health system based in Arkansas and employs about 12,000 people.
