SRHS Parties Await Answer About Judge Neil Harris

All parties involved with the Singing River Health System (S.R.H.S.) litigation are anxiously awaiting an answer from Special Master, Al Hopkins.

Thursday, Hopkins presided over a hearing to decide whether or not Chancery Judge, Neil Harris, should recuse himself from the S.R.H.S. lawsuits. Harris appointed Hopkins as a neutral third party to make the final decision. After hearing arguments from both S.R.H.S. and the attorneys representing retirees, Hopkins has until Tuesday to make a decision. While the legal team representing retirees feels Harris can preside over a fair trial, S.R.H.S.’s legal team has some questions.

Kelly Sessoms, who represents S.R.H.S., says, “Judge Harris is a party in a lawsuit against Jackson County, as well as the City of Ocean Springs, dealing with some beach property issues. Based on the fact that Judge Harris is suing the county, and the county is the owner of Singing River Health System, we felt that is inappropriate for him to sit and hear these cases."

While Harris is not bound to Hopkins’ ruling, it is believed he will follow his decision.