Baptist Health to Acquire South Arkansas Regional Hospital in El Dorado

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health has reached a definitive agreement to add South Arkansas Regional Hospital in El Dorado to the Baptist Health system with the acquisition subject to customary regulatory approvals. On June 14, Baptist Health will officially add the hospital, licensed for 151 beds, as Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado.  

“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.”

“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.”

Designated as a Level III Trauma Center, the El Dorado hospital provides comprehensive 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. 

About Baptist Health

For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 300 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 75 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 12,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. Baptist Health is certified as a Great Place to Work and is honored by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces 2026. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.org, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.