Baptist won’t oppose Methodist hospital plan for Olive Branch
Baptist Memorial Healthcare announced today that it will not appeal Mississippi’s approval of plans for a competing hospital in Olive Branch, likely removing the final hurdle to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s 100-bed hospital in eastern DeSoto County.
Supporters of the long-sought Olive Branch facility cheered the announcement by Baptist, which had opposed past bids by Methodist.
The Baptist decision came a day before Wednesday’s deadline to appeal the July 29 approval by state officials of the proposal.
“I applaud their decision not to oppose the ruling of the Department of Health,” said Olive Branch Mayor Sam Rikard, who also announced that Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., will tour the planned construction site at U.S. 78 and Bethel Road at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday.
Commercial Appeal
Aug. 17
Magnolia Tribune
