Documents were signed Thursday returning the 74-bed hospital to the city of Eufaula and Barbour County. SAMC, via its affiliated entity, Southeast Alabama Regional Health Care Authority, will take over management of the facility on Monday, January 1, 2007, through a long term lease.

“This is wonderful news for the residents of Barbour County and everyone in the Wiregrass community,” says SAMC Chief Executive Officer Ronald S. Owen.

SAMC will be responsible for the day to day operations of Lakeview Hospital under the direction of recently named administrator Ralph Clark.

“Clark has many years of experience in healthcare administration,” says Owen. “I believe he will be a great asset to SAMC’s healthcare team.”

Since 2005, Lakeview Hospital has been owned and operated by Attentus Healthcare, based out of Nashville, Tennessee.

The Houston County Commission, per a request by the Houston County Health Care Authority, which operates SAMC, unanimously voted earlier this month to create the Southeast Alabama Regional Health Care Authority. The newly created Authority will operate Lakeview separate from SAMC.

SAMC began exploring its options for Lakeview Hospital earlier this fall after being contacted by officials from the city of Eufaula and Barbour County seeking assistance in returning the hospital to local ownership.