NGHS Looking To Buy Habersham Hospital

Northeast Georgia Health System is looking to expand its footprint in the region.

On Tuesday, the Habersham County Hospital Authority announced it signed a non-binding letter of intent for exclusive discussions with Northeast Georgia Health System regarding an affiliation between Habersham Medical Center in Demorest and Northeast Georgia Health System.

According to Northeast Georgia Health System officials, the letter of intent allows the two facilities to jointly pursue opportunities for greater collaboration with the goal of completing an affiliation so they can join together.

In the spring of 2016, the Habersham County Hospital Authority commissioned a national search for a potential partner to assist HMC in meeting its long-term strategic objectives.

Habersham County Hospital Authority Chairman Kim Crawford said they are pleased that a review of options and opportunities has led to exclusive negotiations with Northeast Georgia Health System.

Also praising the announcement was Habersham County Commission Chair Victor Anderson, who said the county commission is confident that this step will be good for the residents of Habersham County and their desires to maintain a strong local hospital.

Meanwhile, Northeast Georgia Health System President and CEO Carol Burrell said Habersham Medical Center is a natural strategic fit with Northeast Georgia Health System because of their contiguous service region and the many clinical partnerships already in place.

The next step is for the two sides to continue exclusive talks with the intent to execute a definitive agreement for Northeast Georgia Health System to acquire Habersham Medical Center.

That transaction would need to meet regulatory requirements and get approvals before going through and officials said the entire process could take up to a year.