In late 2007, the locally based REIT bought Shasta RegionalMedical Center in Redding, CA, Bucks County Hospital in Bensalem,PA, Monroe Hospital in Bloomington, IN and River Oaks MedicalCenter in Houston from HPA and kept it in place as the operator. Todate, Medical Properties Trust has found operators for twoproperties, is still looking for a third and has the Texas campusup for sale.

In the Q3 earnings call, REIT chairman, president and CEO EdwardK. Aldag Jr. said Prime Healthcare Management Inc. of Victorville,CA has signed a long-term, triple-net lease with a purchase optionfor the 246-bed Shasta Regional Medical Center at 1100 Butte St.Prime is marking its sixth day as the facility's operator. ShouldPrime exercise its early purchase option, Aldag said "we couldcapture as much as $20 million above and over the rentalagreement."

The 24-bed DSI Bucks County Hospital at 3300 Tillman Dr. isbeing operated by Diversified Specialty Institutes Inc. ofNashville. "The facility continues to improve its operations,"Aldag said, adding there is no plan to sell the campus at thistime.