UHS closes $11M deal for new Oakland psychiatric hospital

The former North Ridge Medical Center in Oakland Park
The former North Ridge Medical Center in Oakland Park

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.

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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.