SWARK.Today has stayed on top of the story of Hope’s only hospital transitioning from ownership by Steward Healthcare, which went bankrupt in May of 2024, to its present day, when it awaits results tomorrow on whether Hempstead County citizens will help upgrade its roof, its equipment and its plumbing with proceeds from a 3/4-cent sales tax.
(Early voting is still going on today, Monday, June 8th, on the second floor of the Hempstead County Courthouse.)
These links are arranged in chronological order so that readers who want the closest thing possible to the full story can follow it from the bankruptcy declaration forward.
Phase I: Steward Health Care Bankruptcy and the Community Response
May–June 2024
“Southwest Arkansas Healthcare Authority Backs Steward's Commitment to Wadley at Hope” — May 6, 2024. On the formation of the Southwest Arkansas Healthcare Authority, a nonprofit organization created by local leaders to help ensure the continuation of quality healthcare services in Southwest Arkansas following the bankruptcy filing of Steward Health Care. The story includes Steward Health Care's press release announcing its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and Steward's assurances that Wadley Regional Medical Center at Hope would continue operating during the restructuring process.
“Hope's Hospital Facing Closure Threat; Hempstead County Quorum Court Appoints Committee to Respond” — May 2024. Coverage of concerns arising from Steward's financial troubles and the creation of a local committee of citizens and elected officials to explore options for maintaining hospital services in Hope. The story includes comments from Hempstead County Judge Jerry Crane, Ed Darling, and others involved in planning for the hospital's future.
“Hempstead County Quorum Court to Put Up as Much as $1 Million to Keep Hope's Hospital Open” — June 21, 2024. Details the county's decision to commit up to $1 million in emergency funding to help maintain hospital operations while a long-term solution was pursued. The story follows similar commitments made by the City of Hope.
Phase II: The Search for a New Operator
July–August 2024
“Health Care Media Outlet Reports Pafford to Buy Wadley Regional” — July 22, 2024. Reports on industry news indicating that Pafford Health Systems had emerged as the leading candidate to acquire and operate Wadley Regional Medical Center at Hope from Steward Health Care.
https://swark.today/articles/health-care-media-outlet-reports-pafford-to-buy-wadley-regional
“Pafford Health Systems Has Been Selected by Steward Healthcare for the Acquisition of Wadley Regional Medical Center at Hope” — July 24, 2024. Announces Steward's selection of Pafford as the purchaser of the hospital's operations. The article explains the framework under which local government entities would obtain ownership of the hospital property while Pafford would operate the facility.
Phase III: Court Approval, Local Ownership, and Pafford's Takeover
September 2024
“Court Approval of Deals for Pafford to Operate Hope Hospital, Hempstead County and Hope to Own Real Estate Issued Thursday” — September 13, 2024. Reports on federal bankruptcy court approval of the agreements transferring the hospital's operating license to Pafford and transferring ownership of the hospital real estate to entities representing the City of Hope and Hempstead County.
“As Pafford Takes Over Hope's Hospital, Its Signs Change, Too” — September 19, 2024. Documents the transition from Wadley Regional Medical Center at Hope to Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center and the physical changes accompanying the new ownership and management structure.
https://swark.today/index.php/articles/as-pafford-takes-over-hopes-hospital-its-signs-change-too
“Pafford Medical Services Announces Acquisition of Wadley Regional Medical Center, Renaming Facility as Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center” — September 20, 2024. The official announcement by Pafford detailing its acquisition of the hospital and introducing the new Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center name and mission.
Phase IV: Stabilizing the New Hospital
November 2024
“Hope City Board to Lease Property to, Invest $1 Million in Pafford-Run Hope Hospital” — November 13, 2024. Covers action by the Hope Board of Directors approving a lease arrangement and providing financial support to help stabilize hospital operations under Pafford's management.
“Hempstead County Quorum Court Votes to Extend $1 Million in Funds for Hospital, Following Hope's Lead” — November 15, 2024. Reports the Quorum Court's approval of a matching financial commitment to the hospital. Includes discussion by justices of the peace and comments regarding the importance of maintaining local healthcare services.
Phase V: Public Updates on Hospital Operations and Growth
2025
“Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center Administrator Speaks on State of Hope's Hospital in Lions Meeting” — February 25, 2025. Hospital administrator Shelby Brown addresses the Hope Lions Club regarding the hospital's financial condition, patient volume, staffing, and plans for future development.
“Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center Earns Critical Access Hospital Designation and Reopens Main Floor with New Primary Care Unit” — September 19, 2025. Announces a major milestone in the hospital's recovery and expansion under Pafford management, including federal designation as a Critical Access Hospital.
“Hempstead County Quorum Court Passes 2026 Budget, Considers Option for Hospital Funding” — December 12, 2025. One of the earliest stories discussing a possible countywide funding mechanism to provide long-term support for the hospital.
Phase VI: The Hospital Tax Campaign
2026
“Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center Expands Care Continuum with Skilled Nursing Beds” — January 6, 2026. Details additional hospital services and expansion efforts that supporters pointed to as evidence of the facility's continuing growth and importance.
“Hempstead County Quorum Court Places 3/4-Cent Hospital Tax Proposal on June 9th Ballot” — March 27, 2026. Reports the Quorum Court's decision to place a countywide sales tax proposal before voters. Includes discussion among justices of the peace, including comments by JP Jay Lathrop.
“Hope City Talks Village Shopping Center Vacate Order, SWARMC Property Transfer to County” — Spring 2026. Covers discussions regarding transfer of the city's ownership interest in the hospital property to Hempstead County as part of the proposed long-term funding structure.
“Hempstead County Sheriff Releases Letter Concerning 3/4-Cent Hospital Tax” — June 1, 2026. Sheriff James Singleton publicly advocates for passage of the hospital tax, arguing that maintaining a local hospital is essential for public safety, emergency response, and economic development.
“Doctor at Hope's Hospital Shares Perspective on 3/4-Cent Hospital Tax” — June 5, 2026. Dr. James Miller discusses the transformation of the hospital since Steward's bankruptcy and argues for continued community support through the proposed tax.
https://swark.today/articles/doctor-at-hopes-hospital-shares-perspective-on-34-cent-hospital-tax
“Hempstead County JP Jay Lathrop Issues Statement Regarding Hospital Sales Tax” — June 5, 2026. JP Jay Lathrop presents his objections to the proposed tax, outlines concerns regarding governance and accountability, and explains why he opposed the measure.
