ONTARIO, Calif., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Prime Healthcare today announced a change in management as it continues to acquire and turn around distressed hospitals and provide award-winning quality health care. After 11 years at the helm, Lex Reddy, MBA, MHA, has stepped down from his position as President and CEO of Prime Healthcare Services.
"Lex Reddy has been an important part of our success, and he will be missed," said Prem Reddy, MD, FACC, FCCP, Founder and Chairman of the Board. "I am pleased to announce that Luis Leon has agreed to become the chief operating officer of Prime Healthcare. Luis started with us 17 years ago and has succeeded at every position he has had since. I believe this will be no exception."
Lex Reddy had served as President and CEO of Prime Healthcare since its inception in 2001. During his tenure, the company has rapidly expanded, turning around financially distressed hospitals across California, and earned national recognition for high quality care, including being named among the top 15 health systems in the nation in 2012. It was the second time in four years the company earned that recognition and is the only health system on the West Coast to receive such a coveted recognition.
Dr. Reddy will be the interim CEO of Prime Healthcare Services, which announced the purchase of Roxborough Memorial Hospital, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 22.
Luis Leon, PA-C, Ph.D., has been with Prime Healthcare and its predecessor organizations for 17 years.
"I want to thank Dr. Reddy for giving me this opportunity," said Dr. Leon, who was promoted to the position of Regional Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego Region in 2011. "I believe my clinical experience and the various roles I have held give me a deep understanding of our company and the path toward a successful future."
Starting in 1995, Dr. Leon worked as a physician assistant at Desert Valley Medical Center, Victorville, CA. In 2002, Dr. Leon was appointed as the administrator of Desert Valley Hospital and Desert Valley Medical Group. Under Dr. Leon's tenure, Desert Valley Hospital was recognized as a "Top 100 Hospital" in the nation in 2004. In 2007, Dr. Leon became the Chief Executive Officer of Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, California. He was instrumental in successfully turning the financially distressed hospital into an award-winning healthcare facility.
Dr. Leon is the Chair-Elect for the Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties and is a member of the Board of Trustees of California Hospital Association. He holds a Physician Assistant degree from UC Davis and a Ph.D. in Health Sciences.
Contrary to certain media reports, Prime Healthcare is not aware of any federal or state review. Prime Healthcare is confident that even if there are, the facts will demonstrate that the company has complied with all statutes and regulations.
Prime Healthcare Services
Ontario, CA-based Prime Healthcare Services, recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the country, is a progressive, innovative and rapidly expanding hospital management company with a mission to provide comprehensive quality healthcare in a compassionate, convenient and cost-effective manner. With over 11,000 employees, Prime Healthcare Services currently owns and operates 14 acute care hospitals in California, Texas and Pennsylvania. Nine of these hospitals are accredited by Joint Commission and seven of the nine hospitals were recognized as Top Performers in the Nation (Top 14%) on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, a Medicare accreditation agency.
Prime Healthcare Foundation
The Foundation is a nonprofit public charity that was founded by Dr. Prem Reddy and his family, reflecting their commitment to giving back to the communities that they serve. The Foundation owns and operates 3 nonprofit hospitals, Encino Hospital Medical Center, Sherman Oaks Hospital and Montclair Hospital Medical Center (a Top 100 Hospital in the Nation in 2009), and is governed by an independent Board of Directors.
SOURCE Prime Healthcare Services
