Forrest General acquires Perry County General Hospital and The Doctor

From Staff Reports

Perry County General Hospital and The Doctor’s Clinic in Richton are under new management and ownership.

Forrest Health signed a letter of agreement for Forrest General Hospital to acquire the 22-bed critical access facility and health clinic on New Year’s Day. Forrest Health took over operations on Jan. 1, 2022, as well.

“The name of the hospital will remain the same, but will operate as part of Forrest Health” said Bryan Maxie, who serves as administrator for Forrest Health’s six community hospital’s and affiliated facilities, such as The Doctor’s Clinic. “Operating another hospital is nothing new for Forrest General. We’ve operated Walthall County Hospital in Tylertown, Marion General Hospital in Columbia, Jefferson Davis Community Hospital in Prentiss, Highland Community Hospital in Picayune and Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home in Poplarville, along with numerous clinics.”

Maxie told The Dispatch on Monday that he had been working behind the scenes with the previous ownership and management for several weeks as the acquisition was pending. Much of that work entailed getting personnel familiar with new policies and procedures, but now that the purchase is finalized, local residents will begin to notice changes around the facility. Maxie said Monday that crews were busy pressure washing, painting, updating landscaping and other general repairs and cosmetic improvements.

“We are excited about this new opportunity and plan to be very active in the community,” Maxie said.

An announcement from Forrest Health concerning the acquisition said FGH is investing in the Richton community to expand services and continue providing a high-quality level of care to the residents of South Mississippi.

“Forrest General Hospital serves 19 counties in South Mississippi, which includes Perry County,” said Andy Woodard, president and CEO of Forrest Health. “Forrest General has always been the hub for advanced healthcare in South Mississippi, and now we have the opportunity to add another spoke to that hub. Forrest General will help better ensure quality primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care for the residents of Perry County.”