Regional Health finalizes deal to buy Toppenish hospital

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) - Officials say the sale of Toppenish Community Hospital and Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center to the newly created Regional Health system has been completed.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports Regional Health paid $37 million - plus $10 million in working capital for the hospitals' accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable - making the total sale about $47 million.

Regional Health spokeswoman Dawn O'Polka says the acquisition makes Regional Health, the parent nonprofit of Sunnyside Community Hospital and Clinics, the largest health care delivery system based in Eastern Washington, with more than 1,300 employees, three hospitals, 14 medical clinics and 24 specialty clinics between the Tri-Cities and Yakima.

The deal was announced in December and faced scrutiny including concerns about the long-term financial stability of Regional Health, before receiving final approval.