Preparations for the purchase of Mercy Jeannette Hospital by Excela Health moved ahead yesterday with the announcement of three approvals that are key to the deal.

Excela Health announced that the Vatican approved the hospital purchase Feb. 28, in part based on Excela's commitment to comply with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services at the Jeannette hospital. That move was necessary because the hospital is now sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill.

According to Excela, also approving the purchase were state Attorney General Tom Corbett and the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division.

Julie A. Hester, president and CEO at Jeannette, said, "Mercy Jeannette has provided for this community for 48 years, yet it continues to face financial challenges that it cannot overcome as a stand-alone hospital."

The hospital is expected to continue its current health-care services, including emergency care and inpatient care.

As planned, the purchase will be completed around May 1, and Jeannette will be a campus of Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. Following that are expected transfers of obstetrics, adult inpatient rehab, behavioral health and skilled nursing to other Excela Health facilities in Westmoreland County.