Doctors Purchase San Clemente Hospital

A group of 12 physicians Friday purchased San Clemente Hospital, the Orange County Register reports. The doctors said they will spend $2 million "to improve services" this year, including reinstating maternity services that were discontinued in 2000. However, two licensed midwives, not doctors, will provide services at the new birthing center. Dr. Ron McGee, chief of staff and president of the doctors' group, said, "We're really excited about the opportunity to do the kinds of things that will make this hospital well-respected in our community." The purchase makes San Clemente Hospital the only physician-owned hospital in Orange County. The 71-bed hospital was purchased from Nashville, Tenn.-based NetCare Health Systems (Talanian, Orange County Register, 1/20).