Bon Secours Health System, Inc. Signs Definitive Agreements with Health Management Associates, Inc. for the Sale of Three Hospitals and One Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Marriottsville, MD, November 9, 2004, — Bon Secours Health System, Inc. (BSHSI) announced today that it has executed definitive agreements with Health Management Associates, Inc. (HMA) for the sale of BSHSI's 312-bed Bon Secours Venice Hospital, located in Venice, Florida, its 212-bed Bon Secours St. Joseph Hospital, located in Port Charlotte, Florida, its 133-bed Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, located in Norton, Virginia, and Bon Secours St. Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located in Port Charlotte, Florida. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including the review and approval of the appropriate regulatory agencies, is expected to be completed by March 31, 2005.

“We anticipate a very smooth transition for our patients, employees and medical staffs,” stated Sister Patricia A. Eck, BSHSI board chair. “We are pleased and comfortable with how well HMA has addressed our objectives for continuity in these three communities. We are confident in HMA's ability to maintain the long-standing missions and values of these facilities and to continue operations with good community representation and support.”

Chris Carney, chief executive officer of BSHSI, stated, “We are pleased with how well this process has gone. Our sponsors, boards and management have contributed strong support and dedication to ensuring a successful outcome. We will continue to work closely with our local governing boards, sponsors and management in preparation for transaction closing and transition.”

Bon Secours Health System, Inc., based in Marriottsville, Maryland, is a not-for-profit Catholic health system that owns or manages, directly or through joint ventures, 24 acute care, nine long-term care and eight assisted living, independent living and other facilities, primarily on the east coast. Bon Secours Health System consists of more than 28,000 caregivers serving 15 communities in nine states. Its vision is to be a leader in Catholic health ministry reaching beyond tradition to liberate people’s potential and improve the communities it serves.