WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla General Hospital is set to close next month after a planned transfer of services to another hospital in Walla Walla was halted.

Adventist Health Services announced Monday that it planned to close hospital facilities July 24 rather than transfer services to Providence Health & Services’ Providence St. Mary Medical Center. Adventist said the move was due to unexpected regulatory challenges that take some time and which could ultimately prohibit the anticipated transfer.

The Union-Bulletin says the closure means Providence St. Mary will be the only acute care hospital in the Walla Walla Valley.

Walla Walla General was founded in 1899 and has 72 hospital beds.

The closure will include all Adventist Health services in Walla Walla including Adventist Health Home Care Services and Adventist Health Medical Group. The Wheatland Village Retirement Center will not be affected.