Hospital owner offers management

NAPLES — Health Management Associates, the Naples-based operator of 71 hospitals, says it has launched a management division for unaffiliated hospitals.

“We have found that many community hospitals may not be at the point where they are looking for a partner to buy, lease or JV (joint venture) their hospital, but are instead looking for an expert to provide operational and managerial support,” says Pete Lawson, executive vice president of development for HMA.

In fact, HMA was founded in the 1970s to manage hospitals. The company shifted focus over time and now owns and operates 71 hospitals with about 11,100 beds around the country.

HMA recently announced it has hired Morgan Stanley to help it consider a sale of the company. In addition, CEO Gary Newsome announced he plans to retire July 31 and a search is now under way for his replacement.