In September of last year, Meadows Regional Medial Center announced the healthcare facility had signed a Letter of Intent with HCA to acquire the local healthcare facility, but not a lot has been heard since. This week, Meadows CEO Alan Kent said the acquisition is right on track.

Kent said that Meadows knew the process was going to be long and time to complete, and said that Meadows has submitted literally hundreds of documents and reports to HCA and their attorneys over the last few months.

The process expected to continue for several more months before the transition is complete according to Kent. After the due diligence period and final negotiations are settled, the proposed acquisition must be submitted to the Georgia Attorney General’s office for approval, and that process is expected to take at least 90 days. Meanwhile, public hearings will be held in Vidalia for the community to learn more and to express their concerns.

If all goes well, Kent said the deal is expected to close midyear. At that time, HCA will become the new owners of Meadows Regional and its affiliated businesses with physicians practices. Dr. Karen McColl, Chief medical officer of Meadows, practicing physician, and Board member said she believes the acquisition will be good for patients, employees, physicians and the entire regions, noting HCA’s strong track record of success in community like Vidalia.