Pensacola, Fla.-based Baptist Healthcare announced it plans to turn over management of 55-bed Jay (Fla.) Hospital to Naples, Fla.-based Health Management Associates, according to a Pensacola News Journal report.
Jay Hospital is owned by Santa Rosa County and a transition to new management would require approval of changes in Baptist's lease by county commissioners.
At least one member of the hospital's community advisory board is wary of the deal. C. David Smith, MD, a family physician that has privileges at the hospital says the deal could change the hospital to a for-profit entity and put certain services, including the hospital's 24/7 emergency department at risk.
Dr. Smith is credited with saving the hospital in 1980 when he cut his residency short to serve as the hospital's only physician, according to the report.
Read the Pensacola News Journal report on Jay Hospital.
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Jay Hospital is owned by Santa Rosa County and a transition to new management would require approval of changes in Baptist's lease by county commissioners.
At least one member of the hospital's community advisory board is wary of the deal. C. David Smith, MD, a family physician that has privileges at the hospital says the deal could change the hospital to a for-profit entity and put certain services, including the hospital's 24/7 emergency department at risk.
Dr. Smith is credited with saving the hospital in 1980 when he cut his residency short to serve as the hospital's only physician, according to the report.
Read the Pensacola News Journal report on Jay Hospital.
Read related articles on HMA:
HMA Q1 Net Income up 18.3%
HMA Enters Into Joint Venture With Physician-Owned Mississippi Hospital