Hope, AR – The City of Hope and Hempstead County are proud to announce the successful transition of ownership of the real property and operating hospital building within our community. This transition marks a significant milestone in stabilizing and securing essential healthcare services for the residents of Hempstead County and Southwest Arkansas.

The hospital's continued operation is vital to the well-being of our community, and this transition of ownership helps ensure that critical healthcare services remain available to Southwest Arkansas. We extend our immense gratitude to Medical Properties Trust for their support and commitment in making this transaction possible, as well as their trust in our community to sustain these vital services. 

We are also deeply appreciative of the collaborative efforts between the City of Hope, Hempstead County, and the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation. Together, we are working toward securing a sustained future for healthcare in our region.

An interim settlement order has been entered, and we look forward to the approval of the final order on the scheduled date of September 17th. During this period, Steward Health Care will continue to operate the hospital, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted transition of services. Pafford Medical Services is currently facilitating negotiations regarding future operations of the hospital.

This achievement underscores the power of partnership and community-focused leadership in addressing the healthcare needs of Hempstead County and Southwest Arkansas.