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UHS closes $11M deal for new Oakland psychiatric hospital
Universal Health Services just closed on its $11 million purchase of Oakland Park’s former North Ridge Medical Center, which it plans to convert into a psychiatric hospital.
County records show the purchase includes the aging 184,007-square-foot medical center at 5757 Dixie Highway, which was built in 1974, along with its 189,639-square-foot parking lot.
Oakland Park city commissioners approved UHS’ planned conversion of the property in January, according to a report in the Sun Sentinel. The proposal was met with criticism from neighbors who were worried discharged patients could pose a risk to the nearby schools and communities, but most commissioners agreed the hospital wouldn’t be a threat.
The medical center was closed in 2008 following its $1.82 million acquisition by Holy Cross Hospital, according to county records.
UHS, one of the country’s largest operators of healthcare facilities, will now convert the medical center into a psychiatric hospital, starting with 60 beds.
The company also plans to eventually move its other regional operations — Atlantic Shores Hospital and Fort Lauderdale Hospital — to the new location for a total of 266 beds, according to the Sun Sentinel report.