News from Natchez....3/13

From the Natchez Democrat:

Potential buyer backs out of deal to buy Natchez Regional
By Julie Cooper (Contact) The Natchez Democrat

Originally published 11:32 a.m., March 11, 2009
Updated 11:37 p.m., March 11, 2009

NATCHEZ — Natchez Regional Medical Center’s would-be buyer has backed out of the deal, reportedly citing poor economic conditions.

Essent Healthcare of Tennessee has been in negotiations with NRMC since November but told CEO Scott Phillips late Tuesday night that the deal was off.

Phillips said, ultimately, Essent was concerned with the risks of taking on a new property in the current economy.

The company reportedly wanted to purchase Natchez Community Hospital and partner with Oschner Health System of New Orleans to manage both facilities. Essent was unable purchase Community, a factor that also hurt the NRMC deal, Phillips said....